Fox News host Rachel Campos-Duffy has been thrust into controversy following an incident during a live segment where she allegedly mispronounced the term "finger-wagger" as an antigay slur while discussing Pete Buttigieg. The misstep has led to an outpouring of reactions, with many seeing it as a simple mistake, while leftists have been furious.
The Daily Mail reported that during an appearance on Fox News, Campos-Duffy, 53, aimed to critique former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, questioning his image within a certain media space known for male-focused content.
Instead, her comments pivoted unexpectedly when she coined a mispronounced phrase that viewers perceived as an antigay slur.
The host was discussing Buttigieg's masculinity in relation to his recent appearance on comedian Andrew Schulz's podcast, where the former secretary was seen sporting a beard.
Fox News quickly responded to the criticism, stating that the misstep was an honest error and that Campos-Duffy corrected herself promptly.
Despite the network's defense, the slip ignited a firestorm of critiques on social media, with some users branding it a "Freudian slip" and others launching a spirited defense of Campos-Duffy, attributing the error to an innocent verbal blunder.
The incident has garnered widespread attention, with The Advocate, an LGBT-focused news outlet, emphasizing Campos-Duffy's slip as a new form of slur. This controversy compounds an already elaborate history between Campos-Duffy and Buttigieg, marked by her vocal criticisms of his work in politics.
Following the segment, individuals in various online forums speculated about Campos-Duffy's motives. Some suggested she was diverting attention from her husband, Sean P. Duffy, who succeeded Buttigieg as the Secretary of Transportation.
It’s noted that Campos-Duffy had previously questioned Buttigieg's responsiveness to airline cancellations during holiday seasons in 2022, framing him as inadequate in managing significant transportation affairs.
The relationship between Campos-Duffy and Buttigieg has been contentious historically, with her critiques extending beyond the latest slip-up. Prior comments by Campos-Duffy articulated skepticism about Buttigieg's fulfillment of his role, hinting at perceived ambitions she believes were stifled after his bid for presidency was unsuccessful.
Social media users were divided in their interpretations, with some arguing that the comment was a veiled attack, while others insisted on giving the host the benefit of the doubt.
One particular comment noted, "Rachel Campos-Duffy did a segment about Democrats and then this happened!" accompanied by claims that the slip was deliberately expressive.
Critics postulated that Campos-Duffy was trying to overshadow her husband's alleged shortcomings by casting aspersions on Buttigieg. However, those defending her insisted that no malice was intended, pointing to the immediate correction as a gesture of honesty.
The incident reflects broader dialogues about language, intent, and the role of media figures in shaping public discourse. Fox News' position about the incident underscores its perspective on human error in broadcasting.
However, the gravity of the perceived slur has prompted serious discussions about accountability and respect toward vulnerable communities.
