Hulk Hogan Faces Backlash for Comments on Kamala Harris
- Hulk Hogan joked about body-slamming Kamala Harris at an event in Ohio.
- The joke questioned Harris' racial identity and was deemed inappropriate.
- The incident raised concerns about the language used by public figures and its impact.
Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan has sparked controversy after making racially charged jokes about Vice President Kamala Harris during a promotional event for his new beverage, Real American Beer, in Medina, Ohio. While addressing a crowd, Hogan asked if he should “body slam Kamala Harris” and questioned her racial identity, referring to her as a “chameleon” and using a stereotype associated with Indigenous Americans. His remarks come amid the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where Harris is being celebrated as the first Black and Asian-American vice president. Hogan's comments have drawn significant criticism, particularly given Harris's diverse heritage—her father is Jamaican and her mother is Indian. Following the backlash, Hogan appeared to recognize the inappropriateness of his remarks, attributing his behavior to alcohol and issuing an apology. He stated, “It was unacceptable for me to have used that offensive language; there is no excuse for it; and I apologize for having done it.” This incident is not isolated, as other conservative figures have similarly targeted Harris's racial identity. Former President Donald Trump recently faced backlash for claiming that Harris “happened to turn Black” only recently, questioning her identity during a heated exchange with Black journalists. His comments were met with outrage, with Harris's communications director condemning the remarks as indicative of the divisive rhetoric prevalent in Trump’s campaign. The ongoing discourse surrounding Harris's identity highlights the broader issues of race and representation in American politics, particularly as the 2024 presidential campaign heats up.