Joan Rivers refuses Cleveland captives’ request for apology following joke about living conditions

Joan Rivers wants Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus, two of the women held captive in a Cleveland basement for more than a decade, to learn how to take a joke.

The risqué comedienne ignited her latest controversy during a Tuesday appearance on Today alongside daughter Melissa Rivers. Joking about living at Melissa’s home, Joan said, “Those women in the basement in Cleveland had more room.” (The interview video has since been deleted by NBC.)

Upon learning about the comments, victims Gina DeJesus and Amanda Berry released a statement through their attorneys to Cleveland’s News Channel 5.

Our clients have become aware of Joan Rivers’ unfortunate comparison of living in her daughter’s guest room to their captivity. We understand that Ms. Rivers is a comedienne; however, the idea that a celebrity would say something this hurtful, on national television no less, is beyond shocking and disappointing. Our clients are strong, private women who have endured unwanted and often painful media attention for quite some time. They now have to endure this, which is a new low, and we believe a sincere apology is warranted.

Joan fired back, telling Cleveland’s Plain Dealer “there is nothing to apologize for.”

Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight during October 2013 interviews. Michelle Knight’s attorney hasn’t responded to Joan Rivers’ comments.

“I’m a comedienne. I know what those girls went through. It was a little, stupid joke. There is nothing to apologize for. I made a joke. That’s what I do. Calm down. Calm f**king down. I’m a comedienne. They’re free, so let’s move on,” Joan said, adding the Plain Dealer should focus on reporting government-related news rather than “writing about my stupidity.”

She later doubled down (or tripled down?) when speaking to TMZ…

“One of them has a book deal. Neither are in a psych ward. They’re ok. I bet you within three years one of them will be on Dancing with the Stars,” said The Fashion Police cohost, adding it’s typical for comedians to make light of tragedies. “The TV the guy gave them must not have had SNL.”

Although it’s apparent that Gina DeJesus and Amanda Berry (and fellow captive Michelle Knight) shouldn’t expect an apology from Joan, they did get one from Today. During Thursday morning’s third hour, Willie Geist said they all regret Joan’s comment was made on their air.

“We hope our reactions in real time showed the way we feel about all of that,” Willie said of Joan’s interview. “This is a live broadcast every day. We can’t control what guests say… We absolutely don’t condone what she said here this week.”