Oct 21 2021 Statement from SAG-AFTRA Regarding Racist Remarks Targeting Reporter ... Read More

SAN FRANCISCO (Oct. 21, 2021) - SAG-AFTRA condemns in the strongest terms the racist and xenophobic remarks made by commentator Steven Crowder targeting Bay Area television reporter Betty Yu in a YouTube video. The revolting segment finds Crowder and his co-host laughing, as they 'joke' about Yu's ethnicity.

Online hate and dehumanizing rhetoric - in addition to being disgusting and hurtful in its own right - can have a ripple effect, encouraging physical attacks and emboldening like-minded racists. Last month, the FBI reported that hate crimes in America were at the highest level in 12 years, and Asian Americans were one of the most targeted groups.

SAG-AFTRA expresses its support for Yu, an award-winning journalist for CBS station KPIX, and denounces the demeaning verbal attacks.

Crowder and others with large followings who trade in hate and misinformation would do well to consider the effect of their words on people's lives.

SAG-AFTRA will continue to work to fight racism and promote diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the entertainment and media industry and in society at large.