Louisiana Rep. Cedric Richmond finally offered an apology of sorts on Sunday for saying Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway looked “familiar” on her knees in a room full of men last week.
The Louisiana Democrat seemed to imply in his statement that his apology was needed only because of the way his comments were “received,” rather than because he said them.
“After a discussion with people I know and trust I understand the way my remarks have been received by many,” he said. “I have consistently been a champion for women and women’s issues, and because of that the last thing I would want to ever do is utter words that would hurt or demean them. I apologize to Kellyanne Conway and everyone who has found my comments to be offensive.”
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CNN anchor Jake Tapper called Richmond’s comments “sexist” and “disgusting” while unsuccessfully trying to get House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi to criticize the crude remark.
Conway previously told The Daily Caller that there would have been more outrage directed at Richmond if she were a liberal woman. “And not just if I were a liberal woman, but if I were a pro-abortion one.” (RELATED: Kellyanne Conway Speaks Out After Congressman Said She Looked ‘Familiar’ On Her Knees)
GOP Chairwoman Ronna Romney McDaniel also slammed Richmond for the remark, which she called, “disgusting and offensive.”
“A snarky joke for you is just a reminder of the demeaning comments women hear every single day. And trust me, it happens to all women,” McDaniel said, adding: “I’d suggest using Women’s History Month to lift us up instead of knocking us down.”
Even Chelsea Clinton piled onto Richmond, calling the comment “despicable” and saying Conway deserved an apology.