Actress Bette Midler suggested on Thursday night that Sen. Rand Paul's (R., Ky.) neighbor should assault him again.
Midler sent a tweet asking where Paul's neighbor was on Thursday night as Paul spoke on the Senate floor about the proposed government funding bill. Rene A. Boucher was charged with assaulting the senator after he was initially arrested in November. As the government prepared to shut down at midnight Thursday, Paul expressed his opposition to the bill based on the large deficit that would result.
"Where’s Rand Paul’s neighbor when we need him?" Midler tweeted.
Where’s Rand Paul’s neighbor when we need him?
— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) February 9, 2018
In January, Boucher agreed to plead guilty to one count of assaulting a member of Congress after he was accused of attacking Paul in his backyard, leaving the senator with several broken ribs.
Boucher faces up to 10 years' imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000, according to the U.S. attorney's office.
Midler frequently tweets her vehement criticism of President Donald Trump and Republicans.
Backlash to Midler was swift on Twitter from people across the political spectrum.
So much for love trumps hate...
— T.J. Eckert (@EckertTJ) February 9, 2018
I hope no one ever tries to beat you. If that happens I won't hope for it to happen again. But I was raised different than you.
— Brandon Saario (@SaarioBrandon) February 9, 2018
You are vile Bette!
— Elder Lansing (@ElderLansing) February 9, 2018
So you are calling for violence on a non violent person because they have different views than you? How sad. We can do better than that. Stand with @RandPaul Transparent and accountable government, something we should all agree on.
— Erin Pyle (@PyleErin) February 9, 2018
You are a disgusting and vile human being. Pretending to be holier than thou and advocating violence. #Ithoughtlovetrumpshate #randpaul #hypocrite
— Moni G (@StarSpangledGrl) February 9, 2018
I was a big fan but that remark shows me that you are a hateful person. Wishing violence on someone is not funny. What a disappointment!
— Momatree48 (@Momatree48) February 9, 2018
Shame what you’ve become...
— Cuse in Charlotte (@CharlotteCuse) February 9, 2018