Andrew Yang Apologizes for Saying Joe Rogan ‘Isn’t Racist’ Because He ‘Works With Black People’

Former presidential and New York mayoral candidate Andrew Yang has apologized for a since-deleted tweet in which he claimed that he didn’t think Joe Rogan was “racist” because he “works with Black people.”

“I don’t think Joe Rogan is a racist — the man interacts with and works with black people literally all of the time,” Yang tweeted on Sunday before deleting it.

The tweet was in reference to Rogan’s recent N-word controversy, and just as the podcast host did last week, Yang issued an apology and explained that he deleted the initial tweet because it was “wrong-headed.”

“I like to believe the best of people – especially if I’ve met and spent time with that person. Sometimes it makes me miss something. I think we should have the capacity to forgive people – whether a podcaster or a mayor – if they mess up. Maybe it’s because I mess up too,” Yang wrote. 

“Racism is real, deep, corrosive and even lethal. I know that. I made a mistake in an earlier tweet tonight that downplayed these realities,” he added. 

“I deleted the tweet because it was wrong-headed,” he explained. It also hurt people, which is never my intent. I’m sorry. I’m learning and appreciate those who reached out to express their feelings.”

Yang continued, sharing that he’s “learning” and appreciates “those who reached out to express their feelings.”

“I like to believe the work I’ve done these past years had the goal of uplifting everyone, particularly those on the outside looking in for any reason, be it poverty or marginalization or race,” he added. “I’ve always wanted to help those with the least the most… I’m going to keep doing all I can for a more fair, equitable, and just country. That means for everyone. Universal Basic Income, Democracy Reform and unity are how we get there.”

In Rogan’s apology, he said that he’s aware “most people” believe there’s “no context where a white person is ever allowed to say that word, never mind publicly on a podcast, and I agree with that now.”

The podcast host is already at the center of debates around vaccine misinformation on Spotify, as several notable musicians have removed their discographies from the platform to protest Rogan.