Hynde stands by rape comments

Pretenders singer Chrissie Hynde has defended her recent rape comments.

She caused controversy last month for suggesting that women could be to blame for some rapes after she revealed her own experience of being the victim of sex attacks.

She told the Sunday Times: “If I’m very modestly dressed and I’m keeping to myself, and someone attacks me, then I’d say that’s his fault. But if I’m being very lairy, putting it about and being provocative, then you’re enticing someone who’s unhinged. Don’t do that. That’s just common sense.”

That sparked anger, with Victim Support director Lucy Hastings criticising the comments and former Runaway Jackie Fox stating she was concerned about the remarks.

But despite the controversy, Hynde stands by her views.

She tells the Washington Post: “They’re entitled to say whatever they want. If you don’t want my opinion, don’t ask me for it.”

And when reminded of what she originally said, Hynde responds: “Sounds like common sense.”

She continues: “At the moment, we’re in one of the worst humanitarian crises in our lifetime. You see a Turkish policeman carrying the body of a three-year-old boy who got washed up on the shore.

“These are the heartbreaking images we have, and we’re talking about millions of displaced people whose families have been destroyed – and we’re talking about comments that I allegedly made about girls in their underwear.”

Hynde releases her autobiography Reckless on September 8.

Scott Munro
Louder e-commerce editor

Scott has spent 36 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in 2014 before moving into e-commerce in 2020. Scott maintains Louder’s buyer’s guides, highlights deals, and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more. Over the last 11 years, Scott has written more than 11,000 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from news and features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, Marillion and Rush.