Dettwyler argues that while in North Korea, Warmbier had acted like a “spoiled, naive, arrogant U.S. college student who never had to face the consequences of his actions,” later describing him as having the “typical mindset of a lot of the young, white, rich, clueless males” she teaches.

She also expressed surprise at the footage of Warmbier crying during his sentencing hearing, saying he should have expected the consequences he faced, and then complaining that not enough thought is given to “all the other people in North Korea who are suffering under a repressive government.”

Dettwyler explains that she is “a 62 year old college professor” who has been teaching “folks just like Otto” her entire life, declaring that “these are the same kids who cry about their grades” after refusing to study, “or instead of crying, they bluster and threaten their female professors.