Andrew Yang has apologized for claiming in a deleted tweet that Joe Rogan isn’t racist because he “works with black people,” NBC News reports.
Rogan, the former “Fear Factor” host and a podcaster, was recently criticized for his use of the n-word. He also compared a Black neighborhood to the “Planet of the Apes.”
In a since deleted tweet, Yang defended Rogan’s character, Business Insider reports.
“I don’t think Joe Rogan is a racist — the man interacts with and works with black people literally all of the time,” Yang said.
Yang’s tweet drew criticism from many, including Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison.
Yang has now apologized for his tweets, The Hill reports. He admitted what he said was “wrong-headed” but also tried to explain why he defended Rogan.
“I like to believe the best of people — especially if I’ve met and spent time with that person. Sometimes it makes me miss something. I think we should have the capacity to forgive people — whether a podcaster or a mayor — if they mess up,” Yang said. “Maybe it’s because I mess up, too.”
He acknowledged however that he had “downplayed” the realities of racism.
“Racism is real, deep, corrosive and even lethal. I know that. I made a mistake in an earlier tweet tonight that downplayed these realities,” he said.
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