Politics

Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.’s sister asks for ‘the grace of space’ on brother’s health

Jeff Poor Media Reporter
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Throughout the afternoon and into the evening, MSNBC dedicated several segments to speculation about ailing Illinois Democratic Rep. Jesse Jackson and his extended leave of absence from the U.S. House of Representatives.

Meanwhile on Fox News Channel, Jackson’s sister Santita took time during Wednesday’s “Hannity” to address the situation personally. She asked that Americans be respectful of her younger brother’s privacy.

“Well, first of all, let me thank you, Sean, and my Fox family, and for so many people across the country who have been just so loving and so respectful of our privacy,” Jackson said.

“I think the first thing that our family wants to do is protect his privacy. Of course, you know, doctors have HIPAA standards that they have to obey. And I think that what we have to do is dial everything back and just give him the grace of space so he can get well. But I want to thank you so much for asking and for being so kind.”

Reports had surfaced earlier in the day, first reported by Andrea Mitchell, that Jackson was in rehab for alcoholism. However, subsequent reports said it was a sleeping disorder that has incapacitated the Illinois Democrat.

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