Michael Reagan speaks at a rally for Republican Senate candidate Sharron Angle in 2010. (Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Michael Reagan, son of late President Ronald Reagan, defended disgraced Fox News host Bill O’Reilly, who was ousted this week after advertisers boycotted the show en masse amid a sexual harassment scandal.

The firestorm started after the New York Times revealed that O’Reilly and the network had shelled out $13 million in settlements to various women who had accused him of sexual harassment.

But in two tweets sent late Thursday evening, Michael Reagan first specifically referenced one of the allegations against O’Reilly — that he called a black woman “hot chocolate” and leered at her — and then suggested that women invite attention by how they dress.

Hot Choclare used to be a compliment on your looks today it is called sexual harassment..@oreillyfactor — Michael Reagan (@ReaganWorld) April 21, 2017





If women are going to wear low cut dresses that show cleavage don't be harassed when we men look.Or shld we sue for sexual arousal? — Michael Reagan (@ReaganWorld) April 21, 2017





The tweets ignited a firestorm of criticism. The latter post had over 2,000 replies as of Friday afternoon.

@ReaganWorld Michael, I'm so glad you tweeted this and I'm looking forward to the feedback you'll receive from the people who use this website — Anna Merlan (@annamerlan) April 21, 2017





Reagan, who serves as the president of the Reagan Legacy Foundation, did not respond to a request for comment.

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