Laura Ingraham advises Ron DeSantis to “demand an apology” from the opponent he made a racist “monkey” comment about

Ingraham: "'You want me to apologize? You apologize for falsely accusing someone of racism to avoid a debate on the issues.' I'd turn it right around on them."

Written by Media Matters Staff

Published

After Florida Republican gubernatorial candidate Rep. Ron DeSantis said that his Democratic opponent Andrew Gillum would “monkey” up the state if victorious, Fox anchor Sandra Smith issued a statement saying the network does “not condone this language.” But now, Fox News prime-time host Laura Ingraham is suggesting DeSantis “demand an apology” from Gillum “for falsely accusing someone of racism.” 

From the August 30 edition of Courtside Entertainment Group's The Laura Ingraham Show:

LAURA INGRAHAM (HOST): You know what I'd do? I'd demand an apology of him. That's what I would do. “You want me to apologize? You apologize for falsely accusing someone of racism to avoid a debate on the issues.” I'd turn it right around on them. “You should apologize because it's pathetic to try to turn this into some kind of racial litmus test.” By the way, Obama's used the phrase “monkeying around” himself, so, back in 2008. 

RON DESANTIS (R-FL): Yeah, look, and Laura, I had people from college texting me saying, “Yeah, I remember you used to say that.” 

Previously:

Fox & Friends attempts to excuse away Rep. Ron DeSantis's “monkey” remark

After Rep. Ron DeSantis said Andrew Gillum would “monkey” up Florida, conservative media trotted out their playbook to spin away racist comments

Fox anchor says the network does not condone Ron DeSantis' racist remarks about Andrew Gillum, does not say what the comments were