The nation’s largest organization for journalists of color on Wednesday defended ESPN anchor Jemele Hill after she called President Donald Trump a white supremacist.
“Jemele Hill is an award-winning, veteran journalist who has distinguished herself for having insightful opinions and perspectives on a variety of topics,” the NABJ said in a statement.
“Having been successful along those lines for 20 years, she has been able to connect with viewers on ESPN as well as on various social media platforms. That withstanding, the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) supports Hill's First Amendment rights on all matters of discussion, within and outside the world of sports, as they do not impinge on her duties as a host and commentator.”
Hill criticized Trump in several tweets Monday, calling him “the most ignorant, offensive president of my lifetime.”
She also said his “rise is a direct result of white supremacy. Period,” and that he is “unqualified and unfit to be president. He is not a leader. And if he were not white, he never would have been elected.”
The White House scolded Hill for her comments and press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said she should lose her job.
ESPN said Hill’s tweet was “inappropriate” and noted her comments don’t “represent the position of ESPN.”