Bill O’Reilly’s crude and uninformed comments about the treatment of African-American slaves who built the White House have been met with much criticism. Multitalented entertainer Questlove was among those who spoke out to shame O’Reilly’s remarks.
In a lengthy social media post on Instagram, Quest made it clear that slavery was an inhumane, despicable and horrific practice that was in no way beneficial or enjoyable for any of the millions of African-Americans forced or born into it. Although he never mentions the controversial Fox News host by name, Quest’s post was in direct contrast to O’Reilly’s foolish statement that slaves were “well-fed and had decent lodgings.” O’Reilly’s comments came in response to Michelle Obama’s comment about living in a “house built by slaves” during her powerful DNC speech.
“Slavery was inhumane. Slavery was sadistic. Slavery was uncomfortable. Slavery was unjust. Slavery was a nightmare,” Quest wrote. “There is nothing more dangerous than a man in a suit pretending to be a journalist giving revisionist history on the ugliness that was slavery. What’s so fun and lighthearted about being shackled? being separated from your loved ones? Being molested and raped HOURLY, being branded with hot iron?”
The post echoed the sentiments of others in the Black community who were disgusted by O’Reilly’s comments, including activist Reagan Gomez-Preston, who also took to social media to discuss the painful history of slavery earlier this week.
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