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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
World
Samuel Osborne

Hillary Clinton told 'you owe black people an apology' when confronted about 1996 'super-predators' remark

Hillary Clinton was told 'you owe black people an apology' when she was confronted about controversial comments she made on mass incarceration.

During a fundraising event in Charleston, South Carolina, Black Lives Matter activist Ashley Williams held a sign quoting comments the presidential hopeful made in 1996, when she said "we have to bring them to heel".

When Ms Clinton reads the sign, Ms Williams tells her: "We want you to apologise for mass incarceration.

"I'm not a 'super-predator', Hillary Clinton. Can you apologise to black people for mass incarceration?"

Bill and Hillary Clinton greet supporters during a caucus day event at in Las Vegas

"Can I talk?" the former Secretary of State replies, before continuing her speech. 

However, Ms Williams continues, saying: "You owe black people an apology."

"You know what? Nobody's ever asked me before," Ms Clinton replies, as a man takes the activist by the waist and leads her away.

"You're the first person to ask me, and I am happy to address it. But you are the first person to ask me."

Speaking in support of the 1994 crime bill, Hillary Clinton said: "They are not just gangs of kids anymore.

"They are often the kinds of kids that are called 'super-predators'. No conscience, no empathy.

"We can talk about why they ended up that way, but first we have to bring them to heel."

She has previously distanced herself from the policies and has issued an agenda on racial justice, which pledges to "end the era of mass incarceration".

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