In a recent press briefing, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre abruptly ended the session following a heated exchange with Simon Ateba, a journalist from Today News Africa.
The incident marks another contentious interaction between Jean-Pierre and Ateba, who previously accused the White House of discrimination in June for not permitting him to pose questions during briefings.
The confrontation occurred when Ateba attempted to ask National Security Council spokesman John Kirby a follow-up question regarding Angola, following Kirby's responses to queries about the visit of Angolan President Joo Manuel Gonalves Loureno to the White House. Jean-Pierre, who was moderating the questions for Kirby, overlooked Ateba and selected another reporter.
Expressing his surprise, Ateba remarked, "It is so surprising that you don't take you are receiving an African leader, but you can't take a question from an African journalist." In response to Ateba's protest, Jean-Pierre threatened to conclude the briefing. As Ateba persisted and another reporter attempted to ask her question, Jean-Pierre reiterated, "We can end this briefing if it's not going to be respectful here."
Ateba continued to voice his concerns, stating, "You are receiving an African leader, and you don't take a question." Jean-Pierre subsequently terminated the briefing, collected her notes, and exited the podium, stating, "Thanks, everybody," while appearing visibly upset. Despite another reporter's attempt to pose a question as she departed, Jean-Pierre dismissed him, repeating, "No. Thanks, everybody."
Earlier this year, the White House warned Ateba of potential revocation of his press privileges following a heated argument with Jean-Pierre during a June 26 press briefing. During that incident, Ateba criticized Jean-Pierre for not allowing him to ask questions, to which she responded, "Youre incredibly rude. Youre being incredibly rude." She then threatened to end the briefing if Ateba continued to interrupt.
Following that incident, Jean-Pierre's office sent a letter to Ateba, which he shared on social media, reprimanding him for his disruptive behavior.
Login