Media heiress Patricia Hearst defended her pardon by former President Clinton, denouncing critics who said she should have been asked to make an admission of guilt for her role in a bank robbery in the 1970s.

Speaking on CNN's "Larry King Live" Wednesday night, Hearst said those decrying the pardon are "obsessed" with the case. "There is no possible reason to argue that I should have had to make an admission," Hearst said. "I told (Clinton officials) that I didn't want a pardon and I would withdraw my application if I had to make some admission of guilt."

Hearst was among the 140 Americans pardoned by Clinton on his final day in office.

View Comments

She had served 21 months when President Carter commuted her sentence in January 1979. Her conviction remained on the record until Clinton's pardon. She has always maintained that she was brainwashed and not responsible for her actions.

Looking for comments?
Find comments in their new home! Click the buttons at the top or within the article to view them — or use the button below for quick access.