Comedienne Rosie ODonnell escalated her long-running feud with President Donald Trump by branding him and his supporters racists, homophobic, and UnAmerican after a UFC event at the White House over the weekend.
According to Breitbart, ODonnell, who has spent more than two decades publicly attacking the President, used an interview with TMZ to denounce the mixed martial arts showcase, which was held in celebration of Americas 250th anniversary and President Trumps 80th birthday. Its disgraceful and embarrassing and he should be ashamed of himself for doing it, she said, dismissing the event as beneath the dignity of the presidency and the country.
The controversy intensified Sunday when UFC heavyweight Josh Hokit, speaking after his victory, mocked former first lady Michelle Obama, declaring, Michelle Obama is a man, and then asking the crowd, Am I right, America? When asked to respond, ODonnell seized on the moment to attack not just Hokit but the President and his base, saying, Yes, thats exactly what Trump is and thats exactly what his fans are: racists, homophobic, unAmerican.
UFC President and CEO Dana White, a longtime defender of robust free speech and an ally of President Trump, quickly distanced himself from Hokits remarks. White denounced the comment as nonsense, telling Time, I understand that the Obamas are public figures but Im completely against saying nasty and false things about peoples families, and adding, Everyone knows my position on free speech but I hate that kind of nonsense.
ODonnells broadside was echoed by Grammy Award-winning musician Sheryl Crow, who used social media to condemn both the event and the people who attended it. To stay quiet means to turn a blind eye. And so I am saying this. What happened last night on the lawn of the White House was disgraceful and void of decency, Crow wrote in an Instagram Story, adding, Powerful, rich people filled the lawn to watch a violent sport that ended with a vile and racist comment.
Crow went further, using the incident to attack the administrations priorities and to paint a dire picture of American life under President Trump. All while the average American cannot afford healthcare, gas, and cost of living. Do not be fooled. This administration is corrupt and does not give a damn about the American people, she continued, insisting, It only cares about making money hand over fist at the expense and in spite of our democracy. If we continue to support this kind of distraction from reality, we are no better than them. Lets be better, America.
Login