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Stephen A. Smith has issued an apology to Rep. Jasmine Crockett, backtracking on his previous criticism of the Democratic lawmaker after facing widespread backlash for his comments.
Earlier this month, Smith questioned Crockett’s approach to politics, saying she was more focused on attacking President Donald Trump than helping her constituents.
“[H]ow Jasmine Crockett chooses to express herself, I'm like, ‘Is that going to help your district in Texas?’” Smith previously said on his "Straight Shooter" podcast. “Aren't you there to find a way to get stuff done, as opposed to just being an impediment to what Trump wants? How much work goes into that?”
In a follow-up podcast episode, the ESPN personality turned political pundit doubled down on his criticism of Crockett, despite the backlash he received from his comments.
"I have nothing but respect for her," Smith said. "I just disagree on what she's making headlines for because I think it's counterproductive to the ultimate goal."
On Wednesday (October 22), Smith reversed course and apologized for his remarks, which he noted may have fueled Trump's latest attacks against Crockett. Trump again called Crockett "a very low IQ person" during a recent interview.
“I get it now with Trump feeding into that nonsense, giving him fodder or ammunition to continue to go out there and talk about our Black women that way,” Smith said on the latest episode of his podcast. “I don’t like that at all. I don’t want to be associated with nothing like that … and I apologize because I respect the hell out of Jasmine Crockett and what she has accomplished.”
“I can look Jasmine Crockett in the face and say, ‘I’m sorry for any kind of noise I caused in your direction,’” Smith added. “She is accomplished and smart and has an incredible challenge working in this political climate.”
Watch Smith's apology below.
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