Former Democratic candidate Andrew Yang deleted a tweet in which he defended Joe Rogan and said the podcast host was “not racist.”
The host of The Joe Rogan Experience has come under heavy fire after footage surfaced of him using a racial slur on several occasions throughout his career, and Yang, 47, took to social media Sunday to defend Rogan.
“I don’t think Joe Rogan is a racist — the man interacts with and works with black people literally all of the time,” Yang wrote in a now-deleted tweet. “Do I know black friends of Joe’s who would swear by him? Yes I do.”
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Yang, who has appeared on Rogan’s podcast, was blasted on social media by left-wing users and commentators and deleted the tweet, according to a report.
A series of tweets explaining his decision soon followed.
I deleted the tweet because it was wrong-headed. It also hurt people, which is never my intent. I’m sorry. I’m learning and appreciate those who reached out to express their feelings.
— Andrew Yang?⬆️?? (@AndrewYang) February 7, 2022
Racism is “real, deep, corrosive and even lethal,” he said.
His previous tweet “downplayed these realities,” according to Yang.
“I deleted the tweet because it was wrong-headed…I also hurt people, which is never my intent. I’m sorry. I’m learning and appreciate those who reached out to express their feelings.”
I’m going to keep doing all I can for a more fair, equitable, and just country. That means for everyone. Universal Basic Income, Democracy Reform and unity are how we get there.
— Andrew Yang?⬆️?? (@AndrewYang) February 7, 2022
The former presidential candidate did not, however, turn to bashing Rogan.
“I like to believe the best of people — especially if I’ve met and spent time with that person,” Yang tweeted. “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. Maybe it’s because I mess up too.”
We should have a statute of limitations on statements.
— Andrew Yang?⬆️?? (@AndrewYang) February 6, 2022
The day before his controversial defense of the 54-year-old host and UFC commentator, Yang said there should be a “statute of limitations” on statements.
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It is not confirmed if Yang knew of Rogan’s use of racial slurs.
