Eva Longoria Apologizes for Comment Downplaying Black Women’s Role in The Election
Eva Longoria apologized today after receiving backlash for her comments that downplayed the role Black women played in the election.
Earlier this week, Eva Longoria appeared on MSNBC to discuss President-elect Joe Biden’s win. The Desperate Housewives actress, 45, stated, “the women of color showed up in a big way. Of course, you saw in Georgia what Black women have done, but Latina women were the real heroines here. Beating men in turnout in every state and voting for Biden/Harris at an average rate close to three to one.” She stated Trump’s policies were never aimed at the struggling Latina community, who are the CEOs of their households.
Eva Longoria to @AriMelber on the impact of Latina women: “That spirit and perseverance that Latinas use in their daily life, the struggle to pay their bills and the struggle to show up to their jobs … that’s the same perseverance and spirit they used to show up to the polls,” pic.twitter.com/BiATbXbaeG
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) November 9, 2020
New York Times best-selling author and fellow Latina Erika L. Sánchez and writer Elon James were among the hundreds of people who deemed Longoria’s remarks “unnecessary” and criticized her for seemingly attempting to take the spotlight away from Black female voters. “Eva Longoria can try to downplay the significance of black women securing the presidency for Democrats all she wants, but she hasn’t been relevant since Desperate Housewives,” podcaster Kinsey Clarke tweeted. “So. Let’s not look to her for any political insight or analysis. Gone, girl.”
Latinas defending Eva Longoria… We have to face the anti-blackness & erasure of Afro-Latinas in our culture. We don’t have to diminish the accomplishments of Black women to elevate ourselves. It’s another form of white supremacy.
— Erika L. Sánchez (@ErikaLSanchez) November 9, 2020
Longoria was quick to apologize after the social media backlash from her comment. “I’m so sorry and sad to hear that my comments on MSNBC could be perceived as taking credit from Black women,” she tweeted. “When I said that Latinas were heroines in this election, I simply meant that they turned out in greater numbers and voted more progressively than LATINO MEN.” She added, “There is such a history in our community of anti-Blackness in our community and I would never want to contribute to that, so let me be very clear: Black women have long been the backbone of the Democratic Party, something we have seen played out in this election as well as previous ones. Finally, Black women don’t have to do it alone any longer. Latinas (many who identify as Afro-Latina), indigenous women, AAPI women, and other women of color are standing with them so we can grow our collective voice and power. Together, we are unstoppable! Nothing but love and support for Black women everywhere! You deserve a standing ovation!!!!”
Please read 👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽 pic.twitter.com/KO80U2yarD
— Eva Longoria Baston (@EvaLongoria) November 9, 2020
Her apology is still being discussed by many and people are not quick to forgive the actress for her crude remarks on MSNBC. It is also sparking conversation about how non-Black people are quick to forgive her when they are not the people she offended.
eva longoria: I’m sorry if my blatant anti-black racism came across as anti-black racism
— sloane (sîpihkopiyesîs) (@cottoncandaddy) November 9, 2020
other nonblack latinas in the replies: we forgive you 💖
Longoria is a proud Democrat and Biden-Harris supporter; she spoke at the Hispanic heritage event during Hispanic Heritage Month with the presidential elect.
