>> reporter: two days later the judge apologized. >> i'm not sure what i was attempting to say at that point, but it didn't come out correct. what i said was demeaning to all women, not what i believe in, and irrelevant to the sentencing. i owe all our fellow citizens an apology. >> reporter: it was too late. outrage on social media and buildings became ground zero for protest against the judge. >> our community will not stand for victim blaming language anymore. [ applause ] >> reporter: this protest organizer started a move on.org petition calling for the judge to step down. tens of thousands have signed it in support. >> he is a person who fails so deeply to understand the experience of victims. we feel that he ought to step down from his position as district court judge. >> reporter: montana's national organization for women agrees. >> i want justice. i want the judge removed, and i