San Francisco, California – Fox News host Rachel Campos-Duffy made controversial comments about Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Paul Pelosi, following his wife’s reception of the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden. Campos-Duffy appeared on Jesse Watters Primetime and mocked Paul Pelosi’s recent assault with a hammer that left him hospitalized with a fractured skull.
During the show, Campos-Duffy criticized Biden’s choice of recipients for the prestigious award, suggesting alternative names like Elon Musk and Donald Trump. She also joked about awarding the Medal of Freedom to Kid Rock and the US Border Patrol, prompting backlash from viewers who condemned her remarks as insensitive and inappropriate.
The banter between Campos-Duffy and guest host Pete Hegseth drew criticism from viewers who accused Campos-Duffy of being a “racist bigot.” Many expressed outrage over her comments, particularly her light-hearted attitude towards Paul Pelosi’s serious injuries sustained in the hammer attack.
Paul Pelosi was attacked at his home in San Francisco in October 2022 by a hammer-wielding assailant while his wife, Nancy Pelosi, was not present. The assault left him with severe injuries to his arm, hands, and head, requiring surgery and six days in the hospital for recovery. Despite the traumatic incident, Campos-Duffy’s comments sparked controversy and raised questions about the appropriateness of her remarks.
In response to the backlash, Campos-Duffy and Hegseth defended their conversation, with Hegseth jokingly mentioning that maybe Paul Pelosi needed a hammer instead of a medal. The exchange highlighted the fine line between humor and insensitivity when discussing serious topics like violence and assault.
Overall, the incident involving Campos-Duffy’s comments serves as a reminder of the importance of thoughtful and respectful discourse, especially when addressing sensitive issues such as violence and personal tragedies. As public figures, commentators like Campos-Duffy have a responsibility to consider the impact of their words and jokes on those directly affected by such events.