Kentucky Rep Curses At Congressional Black Caucus Chair Joyce Beatty Because She Asked Him To Wear A Mask
Republican legislator Hal Rogers, who is Kentucky’s longest-serving member of Congress, was accused Tuesday (February 8) by Democratic Ohio representative and chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Joyce Beatty of poking her in the back after she asked him to wear a mask and then telling her to “kiss my ass.”
In a series of tweets, Beatty, who represents Central Ohio, detailed the exchange and asked for an apology from the 21-term congressman.
"Today, while heading to the House floor for votes, I respectfully asked my colleague @RepHalRogers to put on a mask while boarding the train," Beatty tweeted. "He then poked my back, demanding I get on the train. When I asked him not to touch me, he responded, 'kiss my ass.'"
Beatty added that the incident "is the kind of disrespect we have been fighting for years, and indicative of the larger issue we have with GOP Members flaunting health and safety mandates designed to keep us and our staff safe. @RepHalRogers, when you are ready to grow up and apologize for your behavior, you know where to find me."
Several hours after the incident, Rogers issued a statement to the Louisville Courier Journal indicating he apologized to Beatty.
“This afternoon, I met with Congresswoman Beatty to personally apologize," Rogers stated. "My words were not acceptable and I expressed my regret to her, first and foremost.”
On Tuesday evening, Beatty issued a statement that she accepted Rogers’ apology and added that she "will continue to stand up for health and safety measures."
"And as I did today, I will never tolerate bullying, no matter who does it,” she continued.
Members of the Congressional Black Caucus reportedly held a press conference on the Capitol steps just a few hours after Beatty’s tweet, denouncing Rogers. Florida Democratic Rep. Val Demings said they would not give him “a pass” for “his racist, inappropriate behavior.”
