Comedians Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers are walking back their comments about Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett after encouraging fans not to donate to her Senate campaign.
In an episode posted Jan. 7, the “Las Culturistas” co-hosts waded into political territory by debating Democratic party strategy for 2028 and Crockett’s electability.
“Don’t waste your money sending to Jasmine Crockett, do not do it. You’re going to waste your money,” Rogers said, sharing he donated to Sarah Gideon, the Maine Representative who unsuccessfully challenged Susan Collins’ Senate seat in 2020. Yang agreed.
After fan backlash, Rogers and Yang posted apologies to their Instagram stories Jan. 10.
Matt Rogers, Bowen Yang apologize for comments on Rep. Jasmine Crockett
Dallas lawmaker Crockett announced Dec. 8 that she was running for Senate in Texas. Democrats haven’t claimed a statewide win in over 35 years. Her bid sets off a competitive primary with state Rep. James Talarico, also regarded as another rising political star.
“Las Culturistas” listeners were quick to criticize Rogers for what they deemed racially motivated comments that a Black woman could not win the seat.
The comment was “uncomfortable to listen to,” one Spotify user commented under the episode. Another comment on Instagram read, “So unbelievably disappointing coming from a person in a marginalized community. I expected much better from you and Bowen.”
In an Instagram story posted Saturday, Rogers said he has “respect and admiration” for Crockett.
“Transparency and candor matter to me, especially on the podcast. I’m a very progressive person who cares deeply about winning these elections, but my phrasing was not right. I will be more thoughtful! I really do promise,” Rogers wrote. “I have great respect and admiration for Rep. Crockett, and I regret that my words suggested otherwise. I just want us to win and I will be better at finding ways to help.”
Yang also chimed in, reposting Rogers’ story to say that he regretted “cursorily” commenting. The “Saturday Night Live” alum pledged to use his platform “more responsibly.”
Crockett has not responded directly to the comments. USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for Crockett, Rogers and Yang for comment.
