The Washington Post Has Been Called Out Over A Sexist Debbie Harry Headline

Yes, The Washington Post, Debbie Harry is 'more than just a pretty blonde in tight pants'

Debbie Harry

by Sofia Tindall |
Updated on

It's 2019, but when it comes the the language used to frame female celebrities, some people are still hitting it wide of the mark.

The Washington Post has made Debbie Harry's soon-to-be-published memoir, Face It, all about her hair colour and the elasticity of her trousers. Publicising a review of the memoir, the newspaper wrote on Twitter 'Review: In her memoir, Debbie Harry proves she’s more than just a pretty blonde in tight pants'.

Unsurprisingly, Twitter users have taken to the platform to drag The Washington Post's problematic editorial decision.

One user wrote ' I’ve never heard David Bowie referred to as a pretty blond in tight pants. Or even as a pretty blond in eyeliner and mascara. He was both, but his talent is why he was so famous and why his memory endures. But he was a guy, so…'. Multiple others tweeted about Debbie Harry's pivotal influence in the punk and new wave genres.

Debbie Harry herself has remained quiet over the controversy, only mentioning the review in a retweet publicising the release date for Face It.

In Face It, first-person essays by Harry are blended with interviews by journalist Sylvie Simmons. The book also delves into the band's creative and commercial journey, and covers Debbie Harrys relationship with guitarist Chris Stein who struggled with pemphigus, a rare autoimmune disease. Speaking about the biography, Harry hinted that it could extend into a series, as there's so much anecdotal material to unpack.

'There are many more stories for me to tell; some funny, some scary, some warm, some chill to the bone,' Harry said. 'And if Face It appeals to people then I will get to telling more of the anecdotal bits of the story of Blondie – like the time I met Rita Hayworth and Penny Singleton backstage at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles.'

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