Date Rape

[jazzactivist]

Hi all, did you catch some of the comments on the news today that the actress Helen Mirren is supposed to have said on the subject of date rape? It has been reported that she said that this happened to her more than once as a young woman, but that a woman shouldn't claim rape if she was intending to have sex with a man and then changed her mind. She also apparently said that she didn't believe that ex-boxer, Mike Tyson, who was jailed for rape, was a rapist. Her comments, reported in a men's magazine, have fuelled a lot of outrage in a time when more women are being encouraged to report rape to the police. I find it hard to believe that Helen Mirren isn't being misinterpreted, but what do you think about this?

[Ivy]

Well she admitted having used cocaine in the past..........

[dinger]

I thought it was irresponsible of her to say such a thing and also to mention about having used cocaine and loved it when we are trying to dissuade our younger generation not to fall into this dreadful habit. Totally wrong she should feel ashamed as someone who is well known and recognised for her brilliant acting.

[jazzactivist]

I was a bit surprised at her thoughless comments too. I wondered if she was deliberately courting controversy or trying to damage her image. Of course, the press and media often report comments out of context too. I have always thought that Helen Mirren would have more sensible views, as she usually plays intelligent roles in films. However, maybe that's just my misconception. I think that her comments on date rape were more serious than admitting that she had used cocaine when young and enjoyed it. The problem with drugs is that they are enjoyable to use, at first, and that is the attraction. Drug use only becomes problematic when it starts causing other problems for the person themselves and others around them. I don't think that young people would take any notice of what Helen Mirren says, though, as she is a bit too 'mature' as a role model for them.

[Ivy]

I meant it in a very nasty way. (possible brain damage due to drug abuse as no sensible person could say that in earnest)

[jazzactivist]

Oh dear, Ivy. What a woman you are! I agree with you that it was such an unenlightened thing to say that you do have to wonder...

[dinger]

When you have seen the effects of what drugs can do to a member of your own family as I have also the heartbreak it causes other members of that family comments such as those made by Helen Mirren are far from welcome . She should stick to what she does best acting and keep her silly comments to herself.

[bonnie]

Dinger you are so right. drugs not only have an impact on the person taking them but they also have a huge impact on the innocent bystander. the man who killed stuart was found with drugs on him and in him when he was tested.
Helen Mirren should take time to speak to the real people who have suffered before making stupid comments.