The controversial Primetime interview saw Diane Sawyer seemingly exploiting a vulnerable young Britney Spears, in what could only be described as "toxic," as Spears would later reflect. If asking whether a young woman is a virgin or not doesn't rattle your sensibilities, consider how Sawyer actually shamed Spears on behalf of Justin Timberlake. "You broke his heart. You did something that caused him so much pain, so much suffering. What did you do?" Sawyer persisted to blame Spears with what one Twitter user aptly described as, "a disturbing look at the casual misogyny of late 90s, early 00s news and entertainment that we were served."
It actually got worse from there. As People reported, Sawyer brought up comments made by Maryland's then first lady, Kendel Ehrlich, who speaking at an anti-domestic violence conference and promoting the "purity" ideals for women that were so ingrained in society at the time actually stated, "Really, if I had an opportunity to shoot Britney Spears, I think I would." A visibly shaken Spears was understandably horrified by the statement. In what can only be described as victim shaming, Sawyer then defended Ehrlich, stating, "It's because of the example for kids and how hard it is to be a parent."
While it's been 18 years since the interview, it's still alarming, especially since Diane Sawyer had the opportunity, as a mentor woman in the media, to show support and solidarity with someone exposed to such unjust vitriol.
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