‘This Woman Should Be Ashamed of Herself’: Stephen A. Smith Slams Writer for Column Implying Fani Willis Was a DEI Hire
Stephen A. Smith called out a writer for implying in a recent column that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis was hired because of diversity, equity, and inclusion — or DEI — practices.
In the piece, published Feb. 16 on Newsweek, writer Kira Davis argued that the way Willis represented herself during her misconduct hearing was proof that the “diversity-first system” has become an “unmitigated disaster for hard-working Black Americans.”
The system, which was developed as a way to give underrepresented groups fair treatment in the workforce and other areas, has become the latest target among right-wing pundits. According to Davis and others, the system has resulted in unqualified people being given positions all in the name of promoting diversity.
On Sunday evening, Smith posted a video on Twitter challenging Davis’ column.
“This woman should be ashamed of herself,” Smith said of Davis, “because no matter what Fani Willis may have done wrong, it has absolutely nothing to do with diversity, equity, and inclusion. It has absolutely nothing to do with DEI. The office that she has, no one is disputing that she’s qualified for it. You may not like her and her personal choices — having a relationship with a contemporary. I get that part; but to sit up there and to say it’s a DEI issue just because she’s in her position is utterly ridiculous.”
Smith especially took issue with Davis describing Willis as “sour,” “angry,” and “stupid.” Those characterizations have historically been used to stereotype Black women.
“By the way, a Black woman accusing Fani Willis of not being polished and classy and not being able to remain even-keeled,” Smith said, “while responding to an uncomfortable barrage of questions on the witness stand… So, she had an attitude. She didn’t like being barraged with questions the way that she was, and so that attitude came out in her; and because of that, that compromises her qualifications?
“It makes no sense, Ms. Davis. It makes no sense whatsoever. You need to stop.”
Watch above via Twitter.
