Professional golfer Michelle Wie West criticized Rudy Giulani on Friday night for the obscene comments he made about her on Steve Bannon’s podcast “War Room”. The former New York mayor shared a story on Thursday about Rush Limbaugh, who died earlier that day, in which he and the late right-wing talk show host saw Wie’s underwear while playing golf.
Wie, who won 5 LPGA titles, called the story “highly inadequate” in a note shared on Twitter. “What that person should have remembered about that day was the fact that I got it right in 64 and beat all the male golf players on the field, leading our team to victory,” she wrote. “I shudder to think that he was smiling at me and praising my game while objectifying me and referring to my ‘panties’ on my back all day.”
According to Giuliani, during a charity tournament in which amateurs paid to play with professional golfers, his and Limbaugh’s group – which also included Roger Ailes and Cigar Aficionado’s editor, Marvin Shanken – teamed up with Wie. Giuliani asked Bannon if he could tell a “funny story” and started the anecdote, in which he says that he and Limbaugh were trying to prevent the paparazzi from chasing them, before realizing that they were not the focus.
“On the lawn is Michelle Wie, and she is getting ready to hit,” said Giuliani. “Now, Michelle Wie is beautiful. She is six feet tall. She has a strange posture to put on. She bends over and her panties appear And the press was going crazy … They were trying to take pictures of her panties.[Rush], it’s not me, it’s not you, it’s her panties. ‘”
He ended the story with, “Is it okay to tell this joke? I’m not sure.”
Bannon replied, “We already told you, so I don’t know.”
Although Wie’s note did not name Giuliani directly, she confirmed that she had led the group to victory. She also addressed his comments on his stance, saying, “My swing stance six years ago was designed to improve my swing statistics (I ended up winning the United States Open that year), NOT as an invitation to look over my get out!”
She added: “What should be discussed is the level of elite skill that women play, not what we wear or look like.”
Twitter users praised his response, which also sparked a discussion about misogyny and sexism in sports.
Coaches and parents of young golfers also participated, sharing some of the experiences they saw in the sport.
There was also criticism of sports maker Nike for women’s golfers’ clothing.
THE United States Golf Association also got involved, sharing Wie’s Tweet with the comment: “Sexism has no place in golf or in life. We are always by your side, @MichelleWieWest. “
Wie took a hiatus on the tour circuit recently, after giving birth to her daughter last June.