As Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot reaches the halfway point of her first term in office, some journalists are alleging she grants interviews based on race.
"As @chicagosmayor reaches her two year midway point as mayor, her spokeswoman says Lightfoot is granting 1 on 1 interviews - only to Black or Brown journalists," tweeted NBC 5 Chicago political reporter Mary Ann Ahern.
As ?@chicagosmayor? reaches her two year midway point as mayor, her spokeswoman says Lightfoot is granting 1 on 1 interviews - only to Black or Brown journalists pic.twitter.com/PAUsacD9Gj
— Mary Ann Ahern (@MaryAnnAhernNBC) May 18, 2021
Though a couple local reporters confirmed Ahern’s claim, Lightfoot was interviewed Monday by MSNBC’s Stephanie Ruhle, raising questions about when and if such a standard is applied.
"I was told the same thing," WTTW Chicago Tonight anchor and correspondent Paris Schutz said in response.
"I can confirm," added Chicago politics reporter Heather Cherone.
I was told the same thing.
— Paris Schutz (@paschutz) May 18, 2021
I can confirm, alderman
— Heather Cherone (@HeatherCherone) May 18, 2021
Critics blasted Lightfoot in response to Ahern's claim.
Condemn racism no matter where it’s found. https://t.co/daMANB4NN3
— Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) May 19, 2021
Democrat elected official bases whether or not you get access to her based on the color of your skin, which is racist. https://t.co/R2qKUa5smA
— Ryan Saavedra (@RealSaavedra) May 19, 2021
“I’ll take your questions, based on skin color” — behold, “progress” https://t.co/kaCEM9T151
— Guy Benson (@guypbenson) May 19, 2021