Legendary broadcast journalist Barbara Walters died on December 30, at the age of 93.
Walters’ five decades in broadcasting helped pave the way for journalism as it exists today. Walters would become one of the most recognizable faces at ABC News after she joined the network in 1976, and more than three decades later, Walters, who became the first female anchor for an evening news program in history, would go on to create “The View. “
Walters’ reputation as one of the most respected journalists in history was undoubtedly shaped by his famous interview style; he makes sure his interview subjects put everything on the table. To make sure the audience gets to learn the full story and understand all the facts behind the people he interviews, Walters will choose to ask difficult and sometimes inappropriate questions to his subjects, often resulting in some awkward moments.
At times, Walters’ subjects seemed uncomfortable or unable to fully answer his questions.
Let’s take a look back at some of Walters’ most memorable hard-hitting interviews.
Barbara Walters Once Put Courtney Love In The Hot Seat In A Conversation About Her Struggles With Substance Abuse
Love’s controversial reputation in the spotlight at the time largely revolved around rumors she had used drugs during her pregnancy with Frances Bean Cobain, the couple’s only child, a point Walters did not shy away from in the interview.
Early in their conversation, Walters asked Love about the biggest misconception people seem to believe about the Hole frontwoman. After Love began discussing the frequent rumors that he was still using drugs, Walters probed Love, who appeared to be sober during the interview, whether he was clean during the interview.
“You don’t have anything?” Walters asked Love, to which he replied “No.”
“You have nothing today?,” Walters asked again, to which Love responded with a more emphatic “No” again.
“No heroin?” Walters continued, to which Love replied “My God,” placing her hand over her heart.
Walters then interrupted Love and said, “I’m going to ask you all the questions people are thinking!”
As the couple continued their conversation about Love’s alleged drug use, the “Doll Parts” singer became more agitated, especially when Walters asked if she had ever used in front of her then four-year-old daughter.
Walters Asks Teen Brooke Shields Inappropriate Questions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zm4qq2C7L2oDecades after model and movie star Brooke Shields sat down for an interview with Walters, the “Blue Lagoon” star will look back on the interview, calling it “practically criminal.” (per The Blast) Shields would tell Dax Shepard during their podcast interview that he believed it didn’t qualify “as journalism.”
Walters asked Shields disturbing questions about her sexuality during her controversial ad campaign for Calvin Klien jeans in 1980. Shields was 15 at the time.
The “Pretty Baby” actress would discuss the experience with Drew Barrymore, (who also shared the story of an interview with Walters in which she was asked an invasive question), noting that Walters asked about her measurements, before comparing her body to Shields.
“I thought ‘this isn’t right!’,” Shields reactively reminded Barrymore, “I don’t understand what this is, but I’m just… I’m behaving, and I’m just smiling, and feeling like, so taking advantage of , you know, in many ways…” (per ET Canada)
Walters Asks Monica Lewinsky About Her Self-Respect And Self-Esteem Following The Bill Clinton Scandal
America was fascinated by the news that President Bill Clinton had an affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky in the late 1990s. The world would have a chance to hear Lewinsky’s side of the story on an episode of “20/20” in 1999. Clinton would face impeachment as a result of the affair.
Walters wouldn’t let Lewinsky off the hook during the two-hour special, parts of which can be found on YouTube. Walters asked Lewinsky if Clinton had ever told her whether or not she had fallen in love.
Walters would also ask a visibly embarrassed Lewinsky about the type of sexual intercourse the two allegedly had. When the conversation turned to the phone sex the couple reportedly engaged in, Lewinsky dropped her head to the floor.
Walters will also ask direct questions about former First Lady Hillary Clinton and the couple’s teenage daughter Chelsea.
Walters asked her subject if she “ever felt like she was competing with Hillary Clinton,” and if Lewinsky ever thought about Chelsea during her affair with the President. When Walters asked about Lewinsky’s transfer to the Pentagon, Lewinsky smiled and referred to those who supported Lewinsky’s transfer as “the bad guys.” “Well, you call them ‘bad guys,’ but in a way they’re right, aren’t they?” Walters responded.
Barbara Walters’ often pointed and/or invasive questions undoubtedly set the standard for journalism and well-crafted news stories for decades. No matter from which angle the public may view his signature style, his interview technique will be a giant component of his legacy, which will forever be unmatched.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
