White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Thursday became so fed up with one reporter’s incessant shouting that she scolded her for repeatedly interrupting her colleague’s attempt to ask a question.
Ms Jean-Pierre was attempting to answer a query from Chris Johnson, the chief political reporter for the Washington Blade, towards the end her daily press briefing when Angolan TV anchor Hariana Veras interrupted and continued to shout over him.
“You’re not being respectful... to your own colleagues,” she said.
When Ms Veras continued to interrupt, Ms Jean-Pierre again asked her to refrain from doing so, advising her to “respect your colleagues”.
She then asked the Blade reporter, a veteran of the White House press corps whose outlet recently became the first LGBT+ focused newspaper to earn a coveted seat in the briefing room, to begin his question again.
“I’m sorry Chris, you’re gonna have to start from the beginning because there was some disrespect happening,” she said, at which point Ms Veras again started shouting.
Ms Veras’ habit of interrupting and shouting over other reporters caused another briefing to descend into chaos earlier this month when she repeatedly — and loudly — asked for the chance to ask a question.
Ms Veras also accused the press secretary of not calling on African reporters to ask questions.
“One question for Africa, Karine,” she said.
“Why do we always have to beg for questions? Africans deserve questions as well, Karine, come on!” she added.
“We have been asking for questions, Karine, every time. And even when you give questions to Simon it’s because he forced,” Ms Veras said, according to Mediaite. “We don’t need to force for questions. We also deserve to have a question. Do you have something against African reporters?”
When Ms Jean-Pierre called on another reporter, Ms Veras interrupted during the 9 August briefing.
“We just have questions too, Karine,” she said. “You have to be fair.”
