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Jul 22, 2020 - Politics & Policy

Ted Yoho apologizes for accosting AOC but denies using profane language

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Rep. Ted Yoho (R-Fla.) apologized on the House floor Wednesday for "the abrupt manner of the conversation" he had with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) on the steps of the Capitol, but denied reports that he used "offensive name-calling words."

Catch up quick: The Hill reported on Tuesday that Yoho called Ocasio-Cortez "disgusting" and a "f--king b-tch" during and after a conversation about the correlation between rising crime and current levels of unemployment.

  • Ocasio-Cortez said Tuesday: "That kind of confrontation hasn't ever happened to me — ever. I've never had that kind of abrupt, disgusting kind of disrespect levied at me,

What he's saying: "It is true that we disagree on policies and visions for America, but that does not mean we should be disrespectful. Having been married for 45 years with two daughters, I'm very cognizant of the language I use," Yoho said.

  • "The offensive name-calling — words attributed to me by the press, were never spoken to my colleague, and if they were construed that way I apologize for their misunderstanding," he continued.
  • Yoho concluded: "I cannot apologize for my passion or for loving my god, my family and my country."

Ocasio-Cortez responded in a tweet: "Republican responds to calling a colleague 'disgusting' & a “f—ing b*tch” w/ 'I cannot apologize for my passion' and blaming others. I will not teach my nieces and young people watching that this an apology, and what they should learn to accept. Yoho is refusing responsibility."

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