Charlie Kirk specifically commented on the intelligence of certain prominent Black women, including Michelle Obama, Joy Reid, Sheila Jackson Lee, and Ketanji Brown Jackson. He claimed that these women "lacked the intelligence to achieve their positions without affirmative action" and suggested that they "had to steal white person slots to be taken somewhat seriously." This statement explicitly linked their success to affirmative action rather than their own merit or intelligence. He made these remarks during a 2024 podcast episode, and they were part of his broader criticism of affirmative action and diversity programs.
Kirk's comments were not about Black women in general but targeted at these specific individuals whom he characterized as leftist and beneficiaries of affirmative action. This sparked controversy and was widely condemned for being offensive and undermining the achievements of those women.
