On July 23, 2021, then-Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett attended a news conference with Democratic lawmakers last week in Washington, D.C.
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Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images/Getty Images North America
Controversial far-right Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene attacked a congresswoman’s appearance as she debated whether to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress during a regular meeting of the House Oversight Committee.
The Georgia Republican said in an interview with Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, that Crockett’s “false eyelashes” prevented her from reading and understanding key points from last week’s hearing.
In response, Crockett accused Green of having a “bleach blond, bad shape, manly figure.”
Jasmine Crockett talks about Marjorie Taylor Greene’s “blonde, blue-eyed, terrible body, thick body” during House committee oversight hearing.
This started after MTG said her “fake eyelashes were messing up her reading ability.”pic.twitter.com/kuPKMFAjFu
— Philip Lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) May 17, 2024
The exchange quickly went viral on social media, with many enjoying the entertainment value of seeing the two lawmakers bickering, almost more akin to what is often seen on reality TV.
Crockett is already paying attention to the virality of the moment. She filed for a trademark for the phrase “B6” and announced a “Crockett Clapback Collection” of merchandise to benefit House Democrats.
So we’re dropping the “Crockett Clapback Collection.” The series will include a variety of giveaways including random stuff like I said. This money will be used to ensure we have a Democratic House! Give me a moment to actually get swag etc online, but B6 will drop… pic.twitter.com/7RnPQ4jVHs
— Jasmine Crockett (@JasmineForUS) May 18, 2024
Meanwhile, Green defended her physique and boasted about an active, healthy lifestyle.
Yes, my body is strong, not through bites, creases, plastic or silicone, but through a healthy lifestyle. Soon I will be 50 and God willing I will continue to lift weights, run, swim, exercise, surf, ski, rock climb and enjoy this life to the fullest and enjoy every one of it… pic.twitter.com/DSkqJEuEnM
— Marjorie Taylor Green 🇺🇸 (@mtgreenee) May 20, 2024
Amid jokes, memes and even parody songs about the congressional fight, there are conversations about race, gender and stereotypes.
Crockett called comments about her eyelashes racist, noting that black women are often criticized for their appearance — whether for their natural appearance or for style choices they make to better fit European beauty standards.
There was an immediate backlash against Crockett’s remarks in the halls of Congress, and there was criticism among Republicans for their general silence over Greene’s comments about Crockett’s appearance.
Many noted that there were immediate calls for Crockett to soften his tone after the attack, while Greene acquiesced to Crockett’s comments.
During the raucous hearing, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., repeatedly told Crockett to “calm down” and was told she was “out of control,” even though Greene was the one who incited the incident. An event person.
On the other hand, some accused Crockett of using transphobic language when he used the word “butch” in response to Greene.
Can we acknowledge the existence of black lesbians—including black gay men—and ask them to weigh in on what Rep. Crockett said? Queer black voices are always ignored. Meanwhile, who could be more homophobic and transphobic than margarine devil toes?
— Uppity Black Faerie Gothmother of Metal 🖤 (@FountainPenDiva) May 18, 2024
Crockett said she had “no intention of hurting anyone” [LGBTQ] Community.
She wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that she always “and always will stay 10 feet away from the community.”
