CNN host Abby Phillip stepped in after Bruce LeVell—the former executive director of President-elect Donald Trump’s 2016 National Diversity Coalition—called Democratic strategist Jennifer Roginsky "dear" during a panel discussion.
The panel had convened to discuss the sex trafficking allegations about former Florida congressman Matt Gaetz, who yesterday withdrew his name from consideration for being Trump's pick for Attorney General.
Gaetz was previously the subject of a Justice Department investigation into alleged sex trafficking involving a 17-year-old girl and has faced scrutiny from the House Ethics Committee over accusations of sexual misconduct. However, that inquiry effectively concluded last week when Gaetz announced his resignation from Congress.
He has consistently denied any misconduct, asserting last year that the Justice Department concluded its investigation into allegations of sex trafficking involving underage girls without filing federal charges against him. The House Ethics Committee is now being called on to release their findings though prominent Republicans, particularly House Speaker Mike Johnson, are opposed to its members doing so.
Amid this controversy, LeVell was adamant that there is "nothing there" because the Justice Department chose not to charge Gaetz, only for Phillip to point out that the investigation began during the first Trump administration.
At this point, Roginsky corrected him:
“No they didn’t. They said they didn’t have enough to indict. That shouldn’t be the standard.”
A visibly annoyed LeVell responded:
“No, to charge, dear.”
A surprised Roginsky replied, "Dear? Excuse me?" before Phillip scolded LeVell and shut the whole thing down:
“Hold on, I’m gonna stop you right here because we’re not gonna get off on the wrong foot. Please do not address a grown woman as ‘dear’ in a condescending tone. Do not do that at my table.”
You can watch what happened in the video below.
LeVell was swiftly criticized and many praised Phillip's response.
Let this serve as a reminder: Don't use pet names in professional settings, period—let alone in condescending tones.
@realDonaldTrump/Truth Social
michellesiemienowski/Instagram
