A shocked Walters put the question to Connery: “Do you think it’s okay to slap a woman?” In an interview that resurfaced in 1987.
The famous former 007 journalist asked this question after he made some comments about attacking women in an interview with Playboy magazine in 1965.
At the time, the actor — who played James Bond from 1962 to 1971 with Eon, before playing the hero again in 1983 — said: “I don’t think there’s anything particularly wrong with hitting a woman, although I I don’t recommend you do it the same way you hit a man.” He noted that “The Naked Slap” would be “justified” if “all other alternatives fail and there is plenty of warning”.
He added, “If a woman is a slut, or a hysterical, or a constant idle thinker, I’ll do it.”
Walters asked Connery about these comments, and he replied, “I don’t think it’s good. I don’t think it’s bad. But it depends entirely on the circumstances and whether it’s worth it.”
Walters continued digging into the 007 star, asking him what kind of circumstances would it be “worthy” to spank a woman. “Well, if you’ve tried everything else,” he replied. “And women are so good at it, they can’t just leave it alone. They want to have the last word, and you give them the last word, but they’re not happy with the last word. They want to say it again, get into a really provocative situation. Then – I think he’s absolutely right.” .
He went on to repeat, “Seriously, this is a last resort. He’s not going to do it because he wants to do it.”
Walters grinned, “Wait until people see this interview. You’ll get a mail.”
Six years later, in 1993, Connery spoke with Vanity Fair where he defended his interview with Walters. He claimed his words had been taken out of context.
“They recorded me two hours and only showed 20 minutes,” he said. “Barbara Walters was trying to convince me that it was OK to hit women. But I was really saying that slapping a woman was not the hardest thing for you to do to her.” He added, “I said it in my book—it’s cruel to inflict psychological damage on someone. That’s what they’re looking for, the ultimate showdown—they want a slap.” (sic)
Walters’ official cause of death has not been announced, but she did previously deal with some heart problems. She was 93 years old.
Disney CEO and ABC owner Bob Igor confirmed the death in a statement. He said, “I have sad news to share today with the passing of Barbara Walters this evening at her home in New York. Barbara was a true legend, a pioneer not only for women in journalism, but for journalism itself.”
He added, “She was a one-of-a-kind reporter who obtained many of the most important interviews of our time; from heads of state to the biggest celebrities and sporting icons. I have had the pleasure of calling Barbara a colleague of more than three decades. More importantly, I have been able to connect with her.” A dear friend. We will all miss her at The Walt Disney Company and send our deepest condolences to her daughter.” (sic)
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