AUSTIN, TEXAS: Michael Jay White once appeared on the YouTube channel VladTV for an interview. During one of the conversations, the topic of the podcast host, Joe Rogan, came up and White-backed the controversial 'JRE' podcaster amid the risk of losing a $200 million Spotify deal for using the N-word.
White brought the host's attention to the parallels between himself and Rogan, pointing out that both are "martial arts nerds" and played competitive billiards, although they disagreed on recreational drug use.
'Heard that whole N-word rant'
Regarding the video compilation of Rogan uttering the N-word, he stated unequivocally that he did not believe Rogan was a racist due to the context in which the word was used. White said, “I’ve known him for a very long time, and, uh, I mean, I know he’s not a racist, but he could, you know. You know, a lot of us are dichotomies. You could be this and this."
When opposed by the presenter, who stated that a white person using the n-word is unacceptable under any circumstances, White maintained his point, emphasizing that Rogan did not use the n-word derogatorily to describe someone, but said it in a specific context. He also expressed his belief that Rogan was being targeted.
He went on to say, "There could be some racist s**t that’s in him. I heard that whole n-word rant thing, and I wasn’t cool with how they put that together. He was using it, he wasn’t…well, he wasn’t calling someone that. You know it’s different.”
White also mentioned that Rogan admitted he was incorrect to use the word and had ceased using it. He also questioned the timing of the video, blaming it on someone attempting to sabotage Rogan's $200 million deal with Spotify. White said, “Think about it, there was no uproar about it until this whole Spotify thing happened, so then it’s like, let’s get him this way.” White clearly believes that Rogan's usage of the phrase was in context and not malicious. And Rogan is not deserving of the criticism he has received.
'Joe Rogan is not a racist'
Not only White, but former president, Donald Trump also backed Rogan. Trump used his appearance on the popular Nelk brothers' 'FULL SEND' podcast to emphasize his steadfast opinion that Rogan is not a racist. He went on to express his dissatisfaction with the pervasive inclination to portray anyone who opposes liberal beliefs as automatically racist, a characterization he found terribly upsetting.
Trump's exact statements on the subject plainly demonstrated his support for Rogan. "Joe Rogan is not a racist," he says. "Okay?" he asked. This clear comment demonstrates Trump's real conviction in Rogan's character and intentions.
Trump discussed his personal experience with being labeled a racist, bringing up painful allegations in the past. He stressed the term's transformative power, as it has lost meaning in today's political atmosphere. "Well, it used to be a terrible reaction, but now it's... everybody is called a racist today. Anybody that's the enemy of the other side, people that are the exact opposite of racist are called racist. And it's a very hurtful word, but it's lost a lot of its meaning," Trump said.
Trump vehemently defended Rogan against racism claims, pointing out that labeling anyone who opposes certain views as "racist" is both harmful and meaningless. This public show of support from a past president strengthens the bond and respect between these two powerful leaders.
