Tens of thousands demand CNN apologize for coverage of rape trial

Critics insist a CNN reporter and anchor sympathized with the attackers in their coverage of the reading of the verdict on Sunday, lavishing too much attention on the plight of the convicted rapists.

What did they say?

After the guilty verdict was handed down on Sunday, CNN anchor Candy Crowley asked reporter Poppy Harlow, who was in Steubenville, to describe the scene, namely the emotions, in the courtroom.

Here’s an excerpt of her statement that drew the strong rebuke:

“I’ve never experienced anything like it. It was incredibly emotional, incredibly difficult, even for an outsider like me, to watch what happened as these two young men that had such promising futures, star football players, very good students, literally watched as they believed their lives fell apart …”

A video of Harlow’s entire remarks is below:

In response to the coverage, author and journalist Jessica Valenti tweeted: