Bernardo-Homolka tweet not trending

Paul & Karla pose for a holiday photo

next to an image of slain little sister, Tammy Lyn,
who died on Christmas Eve, 1990

Screen capture from Lena Dunham's Twitter
October 17, 2012

 Acclaimed actress and filmmaker Lena Dunham is currently under fire due to her not-so-funny idea for a Halloween costume to 380,000+ followers on Twitter. Dunham is best known for creating and starring in the HBO series Girls. On October 16, she wrote to fellow  actors/comedians Mindy Kaling and B.J. Novak:

"You guys go as killer Canadian couple Paul Bernardo & Karla Homolka. I’ll be her sister they murdered. Scariest! Luv U!"

What is perhaps most disturbing about her comments is the fact that her hit series is most popular within the young female demographic, and yet here she is, making wildly insensitive comments about a tragedy which continues to affect people due to the unspeakable horrors that were uncovered upon discovery of the couple's infamous collection of rape tapes.

The tapes featured Bernardo and his then-wife, Homolka, clearly enjoying themselves as they took turns sexually assaulting kidnapped teenagers Leslie Mahaffy and Kristen French. It was also revealed that Bernardo and Homolka had also videotaped a sex attack upon Karla's youngest sister, Tammy Lyn. Her death had initially been ruled an accident, when in fact, she had died as a result of the lethal combination of drugs and alcohol that Karla served to her before the carefully planned attack. 

Karla had researched the surgical-grade drug Halothane, and then stole a supply from the animal clinic where she worked in order to render her sister unconscious long enough for Paul to have his way with her. Karla videotaped the assault for her boyfriend (they weren't yet married), and performed oral sex on her sister at his request.

Lawyer Tim Danson, who represents the Mahaffy and French families, wasted no time in offering his opinion any time the much-reviled "Ken and Barbie Killers" appear in the media:

"I think the families would be extremely hurt and disturbed by this action. There are certain circumstances that you don’t make light of. That’s when the magnitude of the crime is so horrific. And she just crossed that line."

I don't know, maybe they should dress as Paul, Karla & Tammy Lyn? Some victims rights crusader drunk on Halloween Spirit could take offense to their tasteless costumes and promptly kick the shit out of them, which would almost make Dunham's insensitive comments worthwhile.

** UPDATE:  10/18/2012 **

Lena Dunham has apologized for her careless use of a murder victim as a comedic prop. Her rationale for poking fun at such tender fodder is even more idiotic than the post itself:

"Obviously didn't understand what a painful part of the Canadian identity the Bernardo/Homolka case was. Saw a TV movie w/ Laura Prepon. [...] Didn't understand that-- we've had more serial killers here maybe, so joke about them more?"

So, let me see if I've got this right: serial killing becomes hilarious when it's done in large volumes? 

Furthermore, her joke is only tasteless when read within the confines of Canada? 

Making light of a case which left three teenage girls dead and countless lives shattered in order to further one's career as an "edgy" comedian is never okay; any time, any place, any where.

"The boundaries of comedy are complicated and I'm learning twitter isn't the place to explain or even test them."

Lena, you just said a mouthful.

More Information...

Lena Dunham's Paul Bernardo joke draws fire

Toronto Star, October 17, 2012

Lena Dunham apologizes for Bernardo-Homolka joke

National Post, October 18, 2012