NEW YORK (AP) — Bill O’Reilly says the slaves who helped build the White House “were well-fed and had decent lodgings provided by the government.”
The Fox News commentator was responding to first lady Michelle Obama’s remarks in her speech at the Democratic National Convention on Monday, when she praised social progress in the United States.
“I wake up every morning in a house that was built by slaves,” Mrs. Obama said. “And I watch my daughters, two beautiful, intelligent, black young women playing with their dogs on the White House lawn.”
O’Reilly said on his show Tuesday that “Michelle Obama is essentially correct in citing slaves as builders of the White House, but there were others working as well.”
O’Reilly’s comments have drawn criticism on social media.
I will provide decent lodging and food to Bill O'Reilly if he becomes my slave. Need a shed built. https://t.co/udmtJKbhse
— rabia O'chaudry (@rabiasquared) July 27, 2016
Bill O' Reilly: "Why are they complaining? They got a free ride over here! Sounds like a good deal." pic.twitter.com/G1SP4vY8IU
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) July 27, 2016
Bill O'Reilly wants you to know that the slaves who built the White House were well-fed. Thanks for sharing, Bill.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) July 27, 2016
O’Reilly on Wednesday tweeted that “far left loons” had distorted what he said about the first lady’s statement. It wasn’t clear what he considered distorted.
Far left loons distort tip about @FLOTUS statement that slaves built White House. She's correct & I provided facts. More on The Factor -BO'R
— Bill O'Reilly (@BillOReilly) July 27, 2016
“She’s correct and I provided facts,” he said, promising to talk more about it on his show.
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