Rush Limbaugh, Don Imus, and the Top 5 Most Offensive Media Personalities Against Women

Conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh’s offensive comments against Georgetown University law school student Sandra Fluke have been the rave in recent headlines. As we begin Women’s History Month, I have highlighted the top 5 derogatory statements made by people in the media attacking women. The overwhelming controversy across media outlets resulting from these statements emphasizes that women have made much progress to call attention to the issues that deter them from succeeding, but they still must continue breaking barriers.

1.) Rush Limbaugh. Limbaugh’s latest comments about Fluke are causing massive outrage. Even the Obama administration is calling out against Limbaugh's remarks.

Limbaugh stated the following about Fluke after she asked that her hormonal birth control be covered by Georgetown’s health insurance in front of a nonofficial congressional committee:

"What does it say about the college co-ed Susan Fluke who goes before a congressional committee and essentially says that she must be paid to have sex, what does that make her? It makes her a slut, right? It makes her a prostitute. She wants to be paid to have sex. She's having so much sex she can't afford the contraception. She wants you and me and the taxpayers to pay her to have sex."

Limbaugh continued to insult Fluke and stated, “If we are going to have to pay for this then we want something in return, Ms. Fluke. And that would be the videos of all this sex posted online so we can see what we’re getting for our money.” As a result of enraged calls, posts, and tweets from angry consumers, two companies have pulled their advertisements from his show. 

2.)  Foster Freiss.

Foster Freiss, one of Rick Santorum’s top supporters, was asked about Santorum’s beliefs on social issues in an interview with MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell. When commenting on contraception Freiss stated, “This contraceptive thing, my gosh it’s such inexpensive. Back in my days, they used Bayer Aspirin for contraception. The gals put it between their knees and it wasn’t that costly.” Santorum distanced himself from Friess’ comments by calling the statement a “stupid” joke, but this light-hearted reaction may be even more offensive to women than the statement.

3.)  Don Imus. 

In 2007, Don Imus, the former CBS radio host, was fired over a racial slur he made about the Rutger’s University women’s basketball team, which is comprised of eight African American and two white players.  He referred to them as “nappy headed hoes.”

4.) Bill Cooksey. 

Photo from WRKO website.

Bill Cooksey, WRKO-AM radio producer, made sexist comments about Karyn E. Polito on-air in response to a caller who inquired, “Is she hot?” Cooksey stated, “I think she’s hot. She’s tiny, she’s short. She’s got a banging little body on her. Facial wise, I give her about a seven. Body wise, I give her about an eight-and-a-half. Tight little butt. I endorse Karyn Polito.” Tom & Todd, pictured above, responded by saying it was "delightful and humorous."

5.) Brian Kilmeade.

In a discussion about mom caves last year, Brian Kilmeade, an anchor on Fox News, asked his co-host, Gretchen Carlson, “Didn’t men give you the kitchen?”

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons