Late Sunday (Nov.9), while the country was still letting out a sigh of relief over President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris election victory, Eva Longoria issued an apology and clarification for what seemed to be an anti-Black comment she made during an interview on MSNBC.
When asked by host, Ari Melber, about the impact Latinas had on the presidential race, the actress and activist replied that “women of color showed up in big ways. Of course, you saw in Georgia what Black women have done, but Latina women were the real heroines here, beating men in turnout in every state and voting for Biden-Harris at an average rate of 3:1.” This was, of course, not true, as social media users were quick to point out.
In a tweet posted Sunday night, Longoria offered an apology and a clarification for her very dismissive statement. She wrote, “My wording was not clear and I deeply regret that. There is such a history in our community of anti-Blackness in our community and I would never want to contribute to that, so let me be very clear: Black women have long been the backbone of the Democratic Party, something we have seen played out in this election as well as previous ones.”
“Finally, Black women don’t have to do it alone any longer,” she continued. “Latinas (many who identify as Afro-Latina), indigenous women, AAPI women and other women of color are standing with them so we can grow our collective voice and power. Together, we are unstoppable! Nothing but love and support for Black women everywhere! You deserve a standing ovation!!!!”
The anti-Blackness that has run through the Latino community makes this statement especially hurtful. While it is true that Latina women showed up way more than Latino men, Black women like Stacey Abrams, the Divine 9, and more, unified to get their community to the polls. Latinos? All you have to do is look at Florida and Texas to know we have A LOT of work to do.
Longoria got some support from activist-actress Kerry Washington, who tweeted, “I know Eva like a sister. We have been in many trenches together. She is a fighter for all women. Read below. This is what she meant. This is how she truly feels.”
But ultimately, no one wanted to hear it.