*Fox News host Bill O’Reilly apologized on Tuesday after he caused outrage for calling Rep. Maxine Waters’ hair a “James Brown wig.”
“As I have said many times, I respect Congresswoman Maxine Waters for being sincere in her beliefs,” O’Reilly said. “I said that again today on Fox & Friends calling her ‘old school.’ Unfortunately, I also made a jest about her hair which was dumb. I apologize.”
O’Reilly’s original comment came after footage of Waters, who represents California’s 43rd district, showed her criticizing President Trump and questioning the Republican party.
“We’re fighting for the democracy,” Waters said in the clip. “We’re fighting for America … you’re not nearly as patriotic as we are.”
Asked what he thought of her statement, O’Reilly responded, “I didn’t hear a word she said. I was looking at the James Brown wig.”
“Fox & Friends” co-host Ainsley Earhardt jumped in to defend the representative. “You can’t go after a woman’s looks,” she said before adding, “I think she’s very attractive.”
O’Reilly reacted, “I didn’t say she wasn’t attractive. I love James Brown. But it’s the same hair James Brown had.”
O’Reilly went on to criticize her politics instead.
“You’re all wrong about Maxine Waters. She’s a sincere individual. Whatever she said, she believes. And that’s old-school. We’re giving Maxine a break here. I love you Maxine.”
He finished by inviting Waters onto his show.
Watch below:
Calls for O’Reilly to be fired have been growing steadily throughout the day, with folks accusing the conservative of both racism and sexism:
Tell FOX NEWS TO TERMINATE BILL O’REILLY
1 (888) 369-4762
pass it on— Surly Temple (@wicked_cricket) March 28, 2017
Fire the shit out of this smug & racist asshole. https://t.co/2oNodMUM7K
— Scott Dworkin (@funder) March 28, 2017
Does @FoxNews have a standards and practices department? Because there’s not a news organization I know of where this could fly. https://t.co/OPGj6Y09dF
— Joy Reid (@JoyAnnReid) March 28, 2017
I seem to recall Don Imus being fired for similar commentary about black women; though in that case, not about a *member of congress.* https://t.co/2d2ldkCv92
— Joy Reid (@JoyAnnReid) March 28, 2017
Dear @FoxNews: Bill O’Reily is racist and should be removed from your airwaves. Vile. https://t.co/YMyKa59I18
— Jordan Horowitz (@jehorowitz) March 28, 2017
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