British political journalist Piers Morgan slammed Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA) for her handling of the attack on swimming champion Riley Gaines by extremist transgender activists during a panel event at the conclusion of this week.
Bill Maher hosted an edition of HBO’s “Real Time” in which he and a panel of guests discussed the incident.
Porter declared her “strongly” opposed position to Gaines. She didn’t agree with Gaines, she informed Morgan when he pressed for clarification.
To that end, “I, I think it should be up to the sports organizations to decide who is really—” The conversation was interrupted just as Porter began to speak.
“But what exactly has she said that is incorrect?” The reply came from Morgan.
When asked what he thought she did, Porter stated, “I think what she did was try to use this to get likes and clicks, which is what we talked about people doing.”
“She’s not doing that,” Morgan said. For as long as I’ve known her, all she’s done is advocate for women’s rights, for truth, and for equality. She really engaged in an unjust battle with Lia Thomas. Lia Thomas won one of the NCAA championship events by 50 seconds over many other women. That simply isn’t plausible. That can’t be right.
Morgan countered Porter’s assertion that Gaines was just speaking for herself by saying, “I think she’s speaking for pretty much every female athlete in the world.”
TRANSCRIPT:
Representative KATIE PORTER (D-CA): Riley Gaines, with whom I disagree greatly, should not be—
POLITICAL COMMENTATOR PIERS MORGAN: In what ways do you disagree with her? In order to get further knowledge.
PORTER: I think the sports leagues themselves should determine who is actually—
MORGAN: What was it that she said that was inappropriate?
PORTER: I think she was trying to make a different story out of this. We discussed the methods people use to get popularity online.
MORGAN: No, she isn’t going to do that. I don’t dislike her, but all I’ve ever seen her do is advocate for the advancement of women’s rights, social justice, and gender parity. She really engaged in an unjust battle with Lia Thomas. Lia Thomas won one of the NCAA championship events by 50 seconds over many other women. That simply isn’t plausible. Not acceptable.
PORTER: I believe it is an issue that should be addressed by our sporting organizations. In addition, Riley is asserting her independence. That’s her prerogative, and I give her my thanks for exercising it.
MORGAN: I believe she represents the global consensus of female athletes.