TV journalist Diane Sawyer is facing backlash on social media after several of her old interviews with singer Britney Spears resurfaced.
Sawyer’s interviews with the pop superstar were included in the recent New York Times documentary “Framing Britney Spear.” Among other things, the documentary examines how the media treated Spears during the height of her fame. The artist had a very public meltdown back during the early 2000s. Now, some of Sawyer’s comments and line of questioning are coming back to haunt the journalist.
Social media users are criticizing Sawyer for sexism and perceived misogyny in her line of questioning. One user wrote, “It was downright painful watching Diane Sawyer interview a 20-year-old Britney Spears.”
Another user commented, “Haven’t watched the Britney doc yet, but just watched the entirety of the old Diane Sawyer interview. Absolutely disgusting. Misogyny executed by another woman. No wonder Britney seems so lost. We all betrayed her by allowing that narrative.”
Diane Sawyer Interviewed Britney Spears
During one interview, Sawyer asked for Spears to comment on her break-up with Justin Timberlake. At the time, the artist was 22-years-old. Sawyer framed the interview question in an accusatory tone. She asked Spears, “You broke his heart. You did something that caused him so much pain, so much suffering. What did you do?”
Later during another interview, Sawyer confronted Spears about comments Maryland’s First Lady Kendel Ehrlich made. Back in 2003, Ehrlich said, “Really, if I had an opportunity to shoot Britney Spears, I think I would.” The First Lady said that Spears was a negative influence on the youth of the day. And that she needed to be stopped.
Sawyer brought this comment to Spears’ attention but also seemingly took the same point of view against Spears. She told the artist during the interview, “It’s because of the example for kids and how hard it is to be a parent.”
So far, Sawyer hasn’t commented on the backlash. But she’s far from the only one in fan’s crosshairs. Several media members are experiencing criticism since the documentary as well. Additionally, some have targeted Timberlake for using Spears to further his own fame after their breakup.
For her part, Spears had no role in the documentary or its creation. She also hasn’t commented on the film as of this time.
