LeAnn Rimes Follows One Rape Joke … with Another Rape Joke

(Image credit: Getty Images)

published 29 August 14

The situation itself sounds like the beginning of a joke: LeAnn Rimes, Eddie Cibrian, and Joan Rivers (opens in new tab) get into bed. But what should have been an entertaining interview turned decidedly unfunny when the country musician made two rape jokes.

In an episode of "In Bed With Joan", Rimes comes out of the gate roaring, asking why her husband won't accept the glass of wine she's passing to him: "Why? This one might be roofied?"

Later in the conversation, Rivers asks about the country musician's first time having sex. "I was in Monte Carlo, and I was … 15? I know, it's kind of a bull**t story. I was 16? There you go." When Rivers follows up, Rimes continues: "Well, he was my boyfriend for three and a half years. He was fine. I think I raped him. I think that's how it happened."

Rimes has stayed mum on the subject since retweeting a link to the episode, but some viewers have objected to her comments, calling the statements "very offensive" and "tasteless." We have to say we agree. Bottom line: Rape jokes are always insensitive (opens in new tab), even when they come from women.

The Dangerous Rise in Untested Rape Kits (opens in new tab)

Sexual Assault Survivors Speak Out Against Campus Rape (opens in new tab)

Chelsea Peng

Chelsea Peng is a writer and editor who was formerly the assistant editor at MarieClaire.com. She's also worked for The Strategist and Refinery29, and is a graduate of Northwestern University. On her tombstone, she would like a GIF of herself that's better than the one that already exists on the Internet and a free fro-yo machine. Besides frozen dairy products, she's into pirates, carbs, Balzac, and snacking so hard she has to go lie down.