LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA: In a recent segment on 'Late Night with Seth Meyers', the late-night host tackled the GOP House leadership dispute with his signature wit and humor.
The controversy unfolded when South Carolina Congresswoman Nancy Mace made a striking appearance at House GOP meetings wearing a shirt emblazoned with a giant letter "A."
Mace's choice of attire was laden with symbolism. Just a week prior, she was one of the Republicans who voted to oust Kevin McCarthy from his leadership role.
Her decision to don the 'Scarlet Letter' shirt was her response to the barrage of attacks and criticism she had endured in the aftermath of her vote.
Seth Meyers' take on Rep Nancy Mace's 'Scarlet Letter' attire
Seth Meyers couldn't resist adding his own comedic touch to the situation. He hilariously quipped, "Did Republicans also ban the book 'The Scarlet Letter'? Because clearly you haven't read it."
He went on to humorously point out that the letter "A" stood for "adulterer" in Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic novel, not the term he suspected Mace was using, "A-hole."
Meyers also underlined the fact that in the novel, the scarlet letter was a symbol of humiliation rather than a fashion statement.
The late-night host then playfully delved into New England's literary history, imagining characters from famous works like 'The Crucible', 'Little Women', and 'Ethan Frome' speaking with exaggerated English accents.
Seth Meyers also shared a clip of CNN's Jake Tapper reacting to Mace's "PR stunt," as he called it. Tapper's skeptical response further emphasized the impact of the controversy on the perception of the GOP.
Meyers wrapped up the segment by highlighting the dysfunctional state of the GOP and its broader implications on the US government. He quoted a Republican member of Congress, who described the situation as "bordering on the absurd" as the government's funding remained in peril.
Fans react as Seth Meyers compares Nancy Mace's 'Scarlet Letter' stunt
Fans had a lot to say after Seth Meyers' take on Nancy Mace's 'Scarlet Letter' stunt, shedding light on the humor and absurdity of the situation. Here are some of their reactions:
"The fact that Rep. Mace doesn't understand what the "A" stands for that she is wearing make me wonder if Republicans have read ANY books in their lives?! The fact that she doesn't get how ridiculous it is for her to wear that kind of t-shirt says a lot about the modern GOP," one wrote
Another added, "The GOP loses their mind when Fetterman wears a hoodie.....but it's ok for Nancy Mace to label herself an Adulterer. Yep......that checks out."
"Nancy Mace trying to have an Easy A moment is beyond sad. It’s been 13 years, fetch was more likely to happen," replied the third.
"Mace’s hilarious attempt at a persecution narrative aside, her argument doesn’t even begin to make sense. (1) what does her being a woman have to do with anything, and (2) her side literally won?" commented another
"Nancy Mace referencing Nathaniel Hawthorn’s The Scarlett Letter without having read the book is the most pathetic & hilarious thing both this year," said another user.
One wrote, "There is nothing funnier than people trying to seem smarter than they are by referring to literature they clearly never read. Also...I wanna see more of "Tapped!", that was awesome."
"I am convinced that republicans have never read any books they use as political statements like scarlet letter or 1984," commented another.
