Following backlash over their comments about Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers have broken their silence.
On Saturday, the Las Culturistas podcast hosts walked back their criticism of the Texas Democrat after this week’s ‘I Don’t Think So, Honey’ segment, in which they also took aim at Gavin Newsom‘s potential presidential bid.
“Hey everybody. I hear the response and I am taking every bit of it to heart, I promise,” wrote Rogers on his Instagram Story. “Transparency and candor matter to me, especially on the podcast. I’m a very progressive person who cares deeply about winning these elections, but my phrasing was not right. I will be more thoughtful! I really do promise.
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“I have great respect and admiration for Rep. Crockett, and I regret that my words suggested otherwise. I just want us to win and I will be better at finding ways to help,” he added.
Yang shared the statement as well, writing, “Should not have cursorily weighed in on this. Understanding the platform and will use it more responsibly.”
During Wednesday’s episode of the podcast, Rogers railed against Newsom before he and Yang praised Bernie Sanders as “the only politician who says exactly what he feels.”
“It’s not going to be Gavin Newsom. Any time a politician is making it too obviously about themselves, I’m already done. And don’t waste your money, sending to Jasmine Crockett,” said Rogers. “Don’t do it. You’re going to waste your money.”
Yang added, “I must agree.”
Rogers later doubled down. “Let me just qualify the Jasmine Crockett thing,” he said. “She’s not going to win a Senate seat in Texas, you guys. If Beto O’Rourke couldn’t do it, Jasmine Crockett is not going to do it. It’s nothing against her, it’s just that she is a politician in that she is very well defined already. And it is my opinion that we are gonna need someone who is less defined at this moment, that then rises up.”
The backlash was swift as many listeners accused the podcasters of perpetuating racist and misogynistic views.