.@ValerieJarrett responds to Roseanne Barr's tweet, saying Disney’s chairman called her before announcing that ABC was canceling the show: "This should be a teaching moment.” #EverydayRacism pic.twitter.com/b0EvA8WAeY
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) May 29, 2018
The former Barack Obama adviser who was the target of Roseanne Barr’s racist tweet is speaking out following the backlash.
Valerie Jarrett, who was chair of the White House Council on Women and Girls, was called an ape on Monday when Barr tweeted, “Muslim brotherhood & planet of the apes had a baby=vj.”
Jarrett has since responded to the post, saying she wasn’t worried about herself but others who don’t have anyone to defend them against racism.
“I think we have to turn it into a teaching moment,” Jarrett said on MSNBC Tuesday. “I’m fine. I’m worried about all the people out there who don’t have a circle of friends and followers who come right to their defense. The person who is walking down the street minding their own business and they see somebody cling to their purse or run across the street, or every Black parent I know who has a boy who has to sit down and have a conversation — the talk — as we call it. As you say, those ordinary examples of racism that happen every single day.”
Barr has issued a couple of responses over her tweet, first saying “I apologize to Valerie Jarrett and to all Americans. I am truly sorry for making a bad joke about her politics and her looks. I should have known better. Forgive me — my joke was in bad taste.”
Then, she said taking the sedative Ambien played a role in her Memorial Day tweet. The comedian later said she didn’t know Jarrett was Black and instead thought she was Jewish or Persian.
Meanwhile, folks have been applauding the way Jarrett has handled the situation.
“What a great response by Valerie Jarrett to Roseanne’s racist comment. Thoughtful and eloquent.”
“Ms. @ValerieJarrett’s response reminds me of what @mrdannyglover said & did after not being able to get a cab & spoke out about it. His bottom line wasn’t about him personally, but about others who weren’t celebrities. TY, Ms. Jarrett!”
“I admire & respect @vj44, her response to @therealroseanne’s racist tweet confirms my feelings are well placed. @realDonaldTrump isn’t the start of racism in America but he stokes the flames. History won’t be kind to him nor those who support him. Another stain on our country.”
