Donna Karan Calls Harvey Weinstein Wonderful, Takes Heat Despite Backtrack

Fashion Designer Donna Karan is taking heat for calling Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein wonderful, a comment she later walked back. Weinstein was the subject of a New York Times investigation that surfaced years of allegations of sexual harassment.

Karan spoke about Weinstein on the red carpet of the CineFashion Film Awards in Los Angeles, Sunday.

“I think they’re wonderful people. Harvey has done some amazing things,” said Karan to the Times about Harvey and his wife Georgina Chapman who is a designer herself.

Karan also suggested that the way women dress may invite harassment.

“What are we asking? Are we asking for it? By presenting all the sensuality and all the sexuality? What are we throwing out to our children today? About how to dance, how to perform and what to wear? How much should they show?,” asked Karan. “I don’t think it’s only Harvey Weinstein. I don’t think we’re only looking at him. I think we’re looking at a world much deeper than him. I think he’s being looked at now as a symbol.”

In a statement provided to the Times from Karan’s publicists, she walked her statements back.

“My statements were taken out of context and do not represent how I feel about the current situation concerning Harvey Weinstein,” read the statement. “I believe that sexual harassment is NOT acceptable and this is an issue that MUST be addressed once and for all regardless of the individual. I am truly sorry to anyone that I offended and everyone that has ever been a victim.”

Weinstein was fired from the Weinstein Company Sunday, a movie production company he co-founded with his brother. The company removed him after the Times story. Several prominent Hollywood figures, are beginning to condemn Weinstein for his alleged actions.

Karan, despite backtracking on her original comments, has been sharply criticized for what she said.

The comment section of Donna Karan New York, one of the designer's lines are full of vitriol as well.