Why would anyone make a #MeToo atonement series with Charlie Rose?

You know what the world doesn’t need? A talk show offering sympathy to alleged sexual predators.

Today’s Tone Deaf Award goes to the person who thinks Charlie Rose — you know, the disgraced news anchor with a history of sexually harassing and groping female employees — discussing #MeToo with other reported sexual predators makes for one slam dunk of an idea.

Which, wow. Why don’t you send Rose a Time’s Up pin and pink hat while you’re at it?

According to Page Six, journalist Tina Brown was approached to produce a #MeToo-themed series with Rose, which would see him interview other men brought down by the anti-sexual harassment movement, such as Louis C.K. and Matt Lauer. Brown declined because the world isn’t completely devoid of decency yet.

I don’t know who exactly came up with this idea, but it’s so awful it’s almost funny. Almost, but not quite.

Obviously whoever did come up with this gem has had their head stuck in the sand for the past six months. The very reason #MeToo exists is so women and other marginalized individuals can reclaim power from bullies and perpetrators, not the other way around.

I’m sure the genius who pitched the show was thinking it would be a generation-defining piece of TV journalism on par with the David Frost’s Nixon interviews, a chance for the men exposed as predators to own up to what they’ve done. That’s cute in an infuriating, deluded way, but here’s how this show would actually go down:

"Rose: It’s so tricky being a man nowadays, isn’t it?Terrible Guest: It sure is.Rose: Is there anything you want to say to your 1,000-and-counting victims?Terrible Guest: I’m sorry I hurt you — but haven’t I paid enough?"

In other words, it wouldn’t be a “#MeToo atonement series,” as it was described to Brown; it would be a public platform for predators to rationalize their behavior and depict themselves as the real victims. Because isn’t it just so hard to keep up with changing times?

No, you know what is hard?

Speaking up even though you know at least half the world won’t believe you. It’s hard going to a job where you are continually humiliated and mistreated. And it’s hard to accept that after everything that sexual misconduct survivors and #MeToo has done, there are still men who feel entitled to dominate the conversation even when they are in the middle of their own scandal.

If anyone accused or found guilty of sexual misconduct really wants to have an honest conversation, understand why what they did was wrong and learn how to do better in the future… here’s an alternative to How Was I Supposed to Know? with Charlie Rose.

Sit down with Samantha Bee, Robin Thede, Katie Couric, or another respected female journalist. Don’t get defensive when they ask you tough questions. Listen to them and to the people speaking out against you. Take responsibility for your actions. Try to see the world from a perspective other than your own.

And — this is an obvious one but it still needs repeating — for the love of everything, don’t make #MeToo all about you.

Next: Bill Cosby found guilty of sexual assault in retrial, following years of accusations

Because, to bring it back to Charlie Rose, that’s exactly what that series would do: make #MeToo about the men who have been exposed, not the women who exposed them. Who, really, would that serve other than the predators?

Rose and his peers might be lonely and craving a comeback. Yet, their six months of emotional turmoil aren’t license for them to waltz right back into the limelight. They are why Tarana Burke started the #MeToo movement in the first place. They do not get to co-opt it for themselves.