While walking the red carpet last week, designer Donna Karan was asked about the then-just-developing Harvey Weinstein scandal. Her response? A jaw-dropping “maybe the women deserved it for wearing slutty outfits”-type of defense that was met with swift condemnation from just about everybody on the planet. When her stock began plummeting as a result, she quickly backtracked and said in a statement:

My statements were taken out of context and do not represent how I feel about the current situation concerning Harvey Weinstein. 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.

Today, she gave a lengthy mea culpa interview to WWD in which she explained that the reason she said what she said was because she was “tired.” Hmmm.

D.K. :So the fact of what I said was — it was inappropriate and I just went off. And I shouldn’t have done it. I was exhausted, I was tired and — [when] it came back to me, I was shocked that I even said this myself. Because I was preparing in my mind what I was going to say in the theater. And I just went off on something that I shouldn’t have, and I apologize profusely. I regret it so strongly.

I think every woman who knows me, and I have [worked for] them in all sizes and all shapes, all I do is want women being free to express themselves. And that has nothing to do with being disrespected, molested and harassed. Absolutely not.

…I always have had real women presenting themselves because I feel so strongly about women. No matter what size you are, no matter what body type you have, as a woman, I have believed in women. I can’t fit in the clothes today. I dress myself and [other] women and allow them to be sensual.

WWD: For the record, you would agree that no matter what you or I or a hot 20-year-old wears, no one has the right to harass any woman at any time?

D.K.: With. Out. A. Doubt. Without a doubt. For that matter, it is never OK to disrespect another human being. And don’t forget the work I do in Haiti. The woman that I had giving me the award, Maria Bello, I mean, her major, major statement in life is about women.

Read part of the interview here and decide whether or not to give the poor, exhausted woman who designs for fat women and who works for Haiti, a pass.

Meanwhile, another Weinstein sympathizer, Woody Allen, is retracting HIS jaw dropping statement to the BBC that he is “sad for Harvey that his life is so messed up.” He writes in Variety:

“When I said I felt sad for Harvey Weinstein I thought it was clear the meaning was because he is a sad, sick man. I was surprised it was treated differently. Lest there be any ambiguity, this statement clarifies my intention and feelings.”

So…. all is forgiven for these two?

(Photos: Pacific Coast News)