Here's something else directed to the "no such thing as bad publicity" or the "i thought we were allowed freedom of speech" crowd. First off: There is such a thing as bad publicity. Look around adland and you'll find examples in social media where clients had to apologize for their bad publicity, inadvertent or otherwise.

Secondly, freedom of speech doesn't mean freedom from criticism. She's lucky she was even heard. Despite what many Europeans may think opinions like that in the U.S.A. would either be shouted out completely, or they wouldn't get the time of day to begin with.

In sweden apparently they are made representatives of the country. WITHOUT repercussions or apologies form said country.

And that's the thing her defenders seem to be forgetting. Her opinions may be her own but she is REPRESENTING SWEDEN in this case. IMO, Sweden should apologize for her behavior. It would be more heartfelt than if she did.

But instead we'll hide behind ignorance or the old freedom of speech or 'it's just a joke.' No, it isn't a joke. A lot of Jews and Poles and Hungarians and Sweden's neighboring countrymen in Norway and Denmark died. It isn't funny. And the country of Sweden should realize she is damaging to their reputation and do something about it, rather than ignore it.

The other thing about pleading ignorance-- there's something called google. And wikipedia. If you don't know something about someone's faith, and you want to know something about it, then research it.

End Rant.