Far-Right Reporter Slams Chicago Mayor for ‘Black Power Rhetoric’ and Asks Him: ‘Why Are You a Racist?’

Screenshot

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson was confronted by a reporter at a press conference who bluntly asked him why he was a “racist.”

On Monday, the Department of Justice announced it had launched an investigation into the city of Chicago’s hiring practices. The purpose of the investigation, the statement read, was “to determine whether it has engaged in a pattern or practice of racial discrimination, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.”

That investigation seemingly stemmed from Johnson’s comments at a recent event, where he explained the significance of having Black members of his administration.

During a Tuesday morning conference, independent reporter William J. Kelly — who previously ran for mayor of Chicago and governor of Illinois — accused Johnson of being a racist.

“Real Chicagoans woke up this morning relieved that the Department of Justice is finally investigating your race hustle,” Kelly said. “As someone who grew up on the south side of Chicago, I’ve heard a lot of race hustlers in my life, trust me; but they were usually marching around outside of City Hall, which is what makes this so embarrassing and dangerous — very, very dangerous to the city of Chicago.”

A city official then urged Kelly to get on with the question.

“I’m more than happy to ask this question,” Kelly continued. “It’s long overdue. For over a year, real Chicagoans, white and Black, have been telling me that your Black power rhetoric is bringing the city backwards from a place that we had overcome. You want the question? Real Chicagoans want to know: why are you a racist?”

Johnson flatly denied the accusation.

“Well, you know, first of all, I reject the idea and the premise that, somehow, that that’s an actual, legitimate question,” Johnson said.

Kelly followed up that question with a similar one, asking Johnson what he would say to the people who believe him to be racist.

“Again, I reject the premise that, somehow, that your question has any legitimacy,” Johnson responded. “Thank you for your time.”