Comedians Yang and Rogers Apologize After Backlash Over Crockett Comments
In a recent episode of their podcast “Las Culturistas,” comedians Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers found themselves in hot water after making dismissive comments about Democratic Representative Jasmine Crockett. The controversy unfolded when Rogers suggested that listeners shouldn’t “waste your money sending it to Jasmine Crockett,” implying that the Texas representative was making politics “too obviously about themselves.” Yang agreed with this sentiment and added his own regrets about being a “Hillary Stan” during the 2016 election, saying he felt “silly” for his past support. This exchange, which may have seemed like casual podcast banter to the hosts, quickly sparked outrage among their progressive audience and Crockett’s supporters, demonstrating how entertainment figures can face swift backlash when weighing in on political matters without careful consideration.
The social media response was immediate and fierce, with fans expressing their disappointment in the comedians’ cavalier attitude toward a prominent Democratic representative. One influencer known as “2raw2real” demanded that Yang and Rogers “keep Jasmine Crockett’s name out their mouth,” while another user called “Small Screen Girl” shared that the comedians’ comments had actually motivated her to donate to Crockett’s campaign—precisely the opposite effect of what the hosts had suggested. The intensity of the backlash highlighted not just the loyalty of Crockett’s supporters but also the expectation many progressive fans have that entertainers they follow should align with and support, rather than undermine, progressive politicians, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds who have fought hard to reach their positions.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, Rogers quickly took to Instagram with a heartfelt apology. In his statement, he emphasized his progressive values and commitment to Democratic election victories while acknowledging that his “phrasing was not right.” Rogers clarified that he has “great respect for Rep. Crockett and admiration for Rep. Crockett,” expressing regret that his words suggested otherwise. His apology demonstrated an understanding that public figures, even comedians who typically speak freely on their podcasts, must be mindful of how their platform can influence political discourse and potentially impact campaigns. The apology sought to repair the damage while reaffirming his commitment to progressive causes and election victories.
Yang similarly acknowledged the misstep by reposting Rogers’ apology and adding his own brief statement, promising to “use [his platform] more responsibly” in the future. The “Saturday Night Live” alum’s concise admission that he “should not have cursorily weighed in on this” reflected an understanding that casual political commentary from public figures carries weight, particularly when directed at specific candidates. Both comedians, known for their work in entertainment rather than political analysis, seemed to recognize that their podcast comments had crossed a line between entertainment and potentially harmful political commentary, and their apologies represented an attempt to make amends with their audience and with Crockett herself.
Representative Crockett, the subject of the controversy, is no stranger to making headlines for her own outspoken political statements. The Texas Democrat, who announced her Senate bid in December, has been known for her direct and sometimes controversial remarks about former President Trump and his supporters. In a 2024 Vanity Fair interview, she claimed that Black and Hispanic Trump voters have a “slave mentality,” and she has repeatedly referred to Trump as a “dictator” and “enemy of the United States.” On California Governor Gavin Newsom’s podcast, Crockett declared that “the most unpatriotic people that we have in this country are MAGA and this president,” demonstrating her willingness to engage in the kind of direct political rhetoric that has made her both admired and criticized.
This incident reflects the complex intersection of entertainment, celebrity, and politics in today’s media landscape. Yang and Rogers, whose podcast typically blends cultural commentary with humor, found themselves in a position where their casual remarks were interpreted as a serious political statement with potential consequences for a Democratic campaign. Their swift apologies suggest an understanding that even in the context of a comedy podcast, comments about political figures carry weight and responsibility. For progressive entertainers, the episode serves as a reminder that their audiences often expect them not just to align with progressive politics in general but to support specific progressive candidates and causes—and that failing to do so can result in swift and significant backlash, even from their most dedicated fans. The controversy ultimately demonstrates how the lines between entertainment, personal opinion, and political impact continue to blur in today’s interconnected media environment.
