I make millions working in a world dominated by men but Hooters was when I felt most empowered, says Katherine Ryan
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The Canadian comedian and presenter is well-known for her no-nonsense outlook and blunt comedy. She's dominated the male-heavy panels of 8 Out of 10 Cats, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Would I Lie to You? and Have I Got News for You. But despite making millions in the comedy arena, Katherine Ryan reveals this isn't what's made her appreciate her strength and worth as a woman.
![[A man in a tuxedo presents a Hooters girl with a sash.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/KATHr2__1_jpg-JS512269199.jpg?strip=all&w=389)
Instead, she truly found her empowerment while working at Hooters, despite admitting the chain restaurant is a place that "objectifies" women. Paul asked Katherine where she stands on the controversial debate over Hooters' objectification of women - saying there are "strong arguments" on "both sides".
![[Katherine Ryan at the Glamour Women of the Year Awards.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/BLU_A98961569_Celebrities-Spotted-Attending-Glamour-Women-Of-The-Year-Awards-2024-At-Raffles-At.jpg?strip=all&w=684)
The name of the chain itself is a double entendre - referring to both an American slang term for women's breasts and it's owl logo. Katherine blames a cultural barrier for why Hooters isn't welcomed so warmly this side of the pond, saying Brits "equate Hooters with a strip club" or an "exotic dancing place.".
![[Katherine Ryan and a man in conversation.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Katherine_Ryan__Breaking_Up_Felt_Like_Life_or_Death_5-40_screenshotpng-JS965790216.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
She says she views Hooters as "satirical", and appreciates the humour behind what she deems a "****-take". Her fond memories of working as a waitress for the chain include laughing at signs on the wall, which read "girls are flattery operated". And she too donned the iconic uniform - consisting of a tiny pair of orange hot-pants and a top printed with the company owl (with the bird's eyes placed over the chest to emphasise the wearer's breasts).
![[Katherine Ryan in a video interview.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Katherine_Ryan__Breaking_Up_Felt_Like_Life_or_Death_1-3-50_screenshotpng-JS965790284.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
