ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith criticized a Newsweek writer for implying that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis was only hired to satisfy diversity requirements, not due to her qualifications.
The writer had argued the “diversity-first system” has failed Black Americans by promoting those unqualified for their positions.
Smith strongly rejected this, saying no one disputes Willis’ qualifications for the office and that her misconduct hearing had nothing to do with diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
DEI is under attack again pic.twitter.com/utCMxDCot5
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) February 19, 2024
Smith said, “This woman should be ashamed of herself. Because no matter what Fani Willis may have done wrong, it has absolutely nothing to do with diversity, equity, and inclusion. It has absolutely nothing to do with DEI. The office that she has, no one is disputing that she’s qualified for it. You may not like her and her personal choices — having a relationship with a contemporary. I get that part, but to sit up there and to say it’s a DEI issue just because she’s in her position is utterly ridiculous”:
“By the way, a black woman accusing Fani Willis of not being polished and classy and not being able to remain even-keeled, while responding to an uncomfortable barrage of questions on the witness stand… So she had an attitude. She didn’t like being barraged with questions the way that she was, and so that attitude came out in her, and because of that, that compromises her qualifications?” he asked.
“It makes no sense, Ms. Davis. It makes no sense whatsoever. You need to stop,” he exclaimed.
He took particular issue with the writer describing Willis as “angry” and “stupid,” saying these terms contained racial coding or meaning when used to criticize a Black woman.
Smith argued it made no sense to say Willis’ response to uncomfortable questioning on the stand compromised her qualifications.
He concluded the writer needed to stop implying race was a factor in Willis’ situation.
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