A recent MSNBC interview with Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff has ignited a firestorm of criticism on social media.
According to Fox News, MSNBC host Jen Psaki's praise of Emhoff for "reshaping the perception of masculinity" has drawn sharp rebuke from critics who pointed to his past marital indiscretions.
The interview, which aired on Sunday, featured Psaki commending Emhoff for his supportive role as the husband of Vice President Kamala Harris. However, social media users were quick to recall Emhoff's recent admission of an extramarital affair during his first marriage, which reportedly involved his family's nanny.
During the interview, Psaki, a former White House press secretary, lauded Emhoff for his impact on perceptions of masculinity. She asked him about his evolution in this role and whether he believed it was part of his potential duties as first gentleman. Emhoff responded by emphasizing his longstanding support for women, stating:
It's funny. I've started to think a lot about this. I've always been like this. My dad's always been like this. To me, it's the right thing to do, support women. It is mutual with Kamala and I. We support each other, we have each other's back.
He further elaborated on the importance of supporting women's rights, particularly in light of recent challenges to reproductive rights in the United States.
The interview snippet quickly spread across social media platforms, with many users criticizing both Psaki and Emhoff. Critics pointed out the irony of praising Emhoff for reshaping masculinity given his past affair.
A popular conservative social media account, End Wokeness, posted a scathing comment:
Psaki to Doug Emhoff: 'You reshaped the perception of masculinity' PS: He impregnated his kid's nanny.
This sentiment was echoed by numerous other users, including Fox News contributor Joe Concha, who questioned Psaki's journalistic integrity in light of the softball interview.
The criticism arises from Emhoff's public admission in August 2024 about having an extramarital affair during his first marriage. Although he didn't reveal the person involved, reports indicated that the affair was with the family's nanny.
In his statement, Emhoff acknowledged the situation, saying that his actions had caused difficulties in his marriage with Kerstin. He stated that he took responsibility and, over the years, the family worked through their challenges, ultimately emerging stronger. The admission came after media reports claimed that the affair had resulted in a pregnancy, though details about the outcome were not confirmed.
Despite the controversy surrounding Emhoff's past, Psaki's interview focused on his current role and public perception. She even referenced the pop culture term "wife guy" in relation to Emhoff's supportive stance towards his wife, Vice President Harris.
Emhoff responded to the "wife guy" label with humor, joking that he might use the label to deflect if he ever annoyed Harris. This lighthearted exchange further fueled criticism from those who felt the interview glossed over more serious aspects of Emhoff's past.
The interview and subsequent backlash highlight the complex interplay between public figures' personal histories and their current roles. Emhoff's past indiscretions, juxtaposed with his current position as second gentleman, have sparked debate about the nature of masculinity and public perception. The criticism of Psaki's interview approach also raises questions about media coverage of political figures and their personal lives.
