Eva Longoria took to social media to clarify comments she had made in an interview on MSNBC, where she appeared to downplay Black women’s role throughout the election process.
Host Ari Melber asked Longoria about the impact Latina women had on the presidential race. Longoria stated that”women of color showed up in big ways. Of course, you saw in Georgia what Black women have done but Latina women were the real heroines here, beating men in turnout in every state and voting for Biden-Harris at an average rate of 3:1.”
Longoria faced immediate backlash for her “real heroines” remarks, social media slamming her for erasing the role of afro-Latinas.
Longoria quickly offered an apology, clarifying her remarks on Sunday morning:
“I’m so sorry and sad to hear that my comments on MSNBC could be perceived as taking credit from Black women. When I said that Latinas were heroines in this election, I simply meant that they turned out in greater numbers and voted more progressively than LATINO MEN,” she wrote.
She added, “My wording was not clear and I deeply regret that. There is such a history in our community of anti-Blackness in our community and I would never want to contribute to that, so let me be very clear: Black women have long been the backbone of the Democratic Party, something we have seen played out in this election as well as previous ones. Finally, Black women don’t have to do it alone any longer. Latinas (many who identify as Afro-Latina), indigenous women, AAPI women and other women of color are standing with them so we can grow our collective voice and power. Together, we are unstoppable! Nothing but love and support for Black women everywhere! You deserve a standing ovation!!!!”
