Michelle Wie West took to Twitter on Friday night to express outrage over a story former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani told on Steve Bannon’s “War Room” podcast Thursday.
“Do you have time for a funny story?” Giuliani began.
He then proceeded to recount a round with the late Rush Limbaugh at a charity fundraiser seven years ago in which the paparazzi were “driving us crazy.” Giuliani went on to suggest that the photographers were actually in pursuit because of the putting stance of their playing partner Michelle Wie, who “bends all the way over and her panties show.”
“What this person should have remembered from that day,” Wie wrote, “was the fact that I shot 64 and beat every male golfer in the field leading our team to victory. I shudder thinking that he was smiling to my face and complimenting me on my game while objectifying me and referencing my ‘panties’ behind my back all day.”
A frustrated Wie went on to say that what should be discussed is the elite skill level of female professionals rather than what they wear or their appearance.
“My putting stance six years ago was designed to improve my putting stats,” Wie wrote, noting that she won the U.S. Women’s Open that year. “NOT as an invitation to look up my skirt!”
At the conclusion of his disturbing story, Giuliani said, “Is that OK to tell that joke? I’m not sure.”
A straight-faced Bannon, who looked increasingly uncomfortable, replied “We already told it, so I don’t know.”
Wie, 31, is a five-time winner on the LPGA. She’s currently on maternity leave after giving birth to daughter Makenna Kamalei Yoona West last June.