Killer Mike Faces Backlash After Controversial ‘Uterus’ Remark at Bernie Sanders Rally
Killer Mike is facing heavy criticism after his appearance at a rally for Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders at Morehouse College in Atlanta yesterday (February 16.) The Atlanta native introduced Sanders and during his intro, explained why Hillary Clinton's approach to race issues has contributed to his decision to not support her in her bid for the presidency.
“When people tell us, ‘Hold on, wait awhile.’ And that’s what the other Democrat is telling you,” Killer Mike said. “ ‘Hold on, Black Lives Matter. Just wait awhile.’ ‘Hold on, young people in this country, just wait awhile.’ And then, and then she — she get good, she have your own mama come to you. Your own mama say to you, ‘Well, you’re a woman.’ ”
He then referenced a conversation he'd had with feminist activist and educator Jane Elliott.
“But I talked to Jane Elliott a few weeks ago, and Jane said, ‘Michael, a uterus doesn’t qualify you to be president of the United States. You have to be — you have to have policy that’s reflective of social justice.’ ”
After the "uterus doesn't qualify you" quote hit the Web, the Run the Jewels rapper found himself up against a major online backlash, as critics began blasting him for sexist comments.
Sanders rep Michael Briggs, defended the rapper, stating definitely that Mike, like Sanders, “doesn’t believe gender should be a reason to vote for or against someone”.
“That’s the point Mike was making when he quoted Jane Elliott, the internationally known educator,” said Briggs. “We need to get beyond the gotcha politics and get to the issues at the heart of the election.”
The politically-outspoken hip-hop star, born Michael Render, also defended his position on Twitter.
“I don’t and never will Hate or think less of women,” the rapper said in a tweet. “Sen. Nina Turner is my Next Great Political Champ but I’m sorry No HRC for me,” he added, referring to former Ohio state senator Nina Turner.
Check out some of Killer Mike's responses to the criticism and some of the tweets in reaction to his Sanders speech: