Jesse Jackson N Word
On July 9, 2008, Bill O'Reilly reported that Jesse Jackson had made an offensive off-air remark about Barack Obama earlier that day on Fox News. O'Reilly aired the remark in question, noting that the tape contained other language that was harsher still. Part of the un-aired material emerged a week later when the blog TVNewser reported that Jackson's comments had included the so-called "N" word.1
Fast Facts
- Jackson reportedly did not know comments were being recorded2
- Partial version first aired on The O'Reilly Factor
- Included statement (in reference to Obama): "I want to cut his nuts off"3
- Jackson apologized, then apologized again after release of "N" word quote
- Sparked an impassioned debate on the July 17, 2008, episode of The View
Quote
The following excerpt, as confirmed by Fox News, places in context Jackson's use of the racial slur.
- "Barack... he's talking down to black people... telling n—rs how to behave."1
Second Apology
Jackson, who had already apologized after the previous portion of his comments was made public, apologized again, issuing this statement:
- "I am deeply saddened and distressed by the pain and sorrow that I have caused as a result of my hurtful words. I apologize again to Senator Barrack (sic) Obama, Michelle Obama, their children as well as to the American public. There really is no justification for my comments and I hope that the Obama family and the American public will forgive me. I also pray that we, as a nation, can move on to address the real issues that affect the American people."4
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