Joan Rivers Under Fire Over Cleveland Hostages Joke

A joke about the women held hostage in the Cleveland house of horrors didn't go over well with the victims, but Rivers isn't apologizing. INSIDE EDITION has the scoop.

It's the wisecrack that's stunning everyone. Joan Rivers comparing living in her daughter Melissa's guest room to the Cleveland house of horrors!

Rivers said, "Those women in the basement in Cleveland had more space. I mean, it's just the worst."

Reaction from the victims is now coming in, and they are furious!

Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus are demanding an immediate apology, with their lawyer calling Rivers' joke 'a new low.'

"The idea that a celebrity would say something this hurtful on national television is beyond shocking and disappointing....we believe a sincere apology is warranted.'' [Source: Attorneys James Wooley and Heather Kimmel]

The third kidnap victim, Michelle Knight, declined comment. All three were freed last year, after being held captive for more than a decade.

But Joan Rivers is refusing to apologize and is even adding fuel to the fire. "They got to live rent free for more than a decade," she was quoted as saying. "One of them has a book deal. Neither are in a psych ward. They're OK. I bet you within three years one of them will be on Dancing with the Stars!"

INSIDE EDITION's Diane McInerney got reaction from Dr. Phil who was the first to interview Michelle Knight.

Dr. Phil said, "I know what happened in that house. It is horrific. It is not to be made light of. It is just horrible."

Watch More of Dr. Phil's Interview

McInerney asked, "The victims are calling for her to apologize. Should she apologize?"

"I can tell you, she did not intend to offend. I know Joan. She didn't intend to hurt anyone. She's just being a comedienne. But she certainly, I think, made a bad decision, a bad judgement."