Sunny Hostin is opening up about a private conversation she had with Cynthia Erivo after facing backlash over her comments about the Cornell University sexual assault allegations.
The View cohost discussed the conversation Monday (October 5) on The View: Behind the Table, the show's official podcast series, hosted by executive producer Brian Teta.
When Hostin first discussed the case on The View on September 29, the former federal prosecutor said she “led with the law” because she felt she needed to explain New York's legal standard before addressing the moral issues surrounding the allegations.
“I needed to bring us back to this New York law which is really terrible and needs to be changed,” Hostin said.
Hostin said TMZ and other outlets “only clipped the first part of the conversation,” leading to accusations that she was defending the seven fraternity brothers accused in the case and victim-shaming.
“I was accused of defending these young men, and victim-shaming, which is something that I would never do since I spent the majority of my career prosecuting sex crimes,” Hostin said.
Hostin said Erivo, a close friend and fellow sorority sister, called her from Paris after seeing the clip.
“She said, ‘Sis, I know you and I know your heart and I know your life's work has been about protecting women and children,’” Hostin recalled. “But the clip that I saw doesn't reflect who you are.”
Hostin said Erivo encouraged her to communicate in a way people could receive, telling her, “instead of leading with the law, I need to lead with empathy so that people can receive the message about the law.”
Hostin said Erivo's advice changed how she approached the conversation when she next discussed the case, allowing her to explain the legal issues while making clear that the allegations themselves were serious.
Hostin also reiterated that she believes the alleged conduct was “outrageous” and “heinous.”
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