Louisiana Representative Clay Higgins has retracted controversial comments made regarding Haitian immigrants in a recent social media post that has since been deleted.
“My intention was never to hurt anyone’s feelings. The post was aimed at Haitian gangs, not the country or its people,” Higgins stated to reporters, expressing a newfound sensitivity after backlash over his prior remarks. “The unintended impact was highlighted by a colleague, and I genuinely appreciate that.”
Attempts to reach Higgins’ office for further comment have not yielded a response.
Higgins faced significant criticism for perpetuating unfounded claims about Haitians eating pets and referring to them as “thugs” following an Associated Press report. This report detailed how the Haitian Bridge Alliance, an organization advocating for Haitian rights, is pursuing legal action against former President Donald Trump and his running mate.
In his controversial post, Higgins stated, “These Haitians are wild. Eating pets, voodoo, nastiest country in the western hemisphere, cults, slapstick gangsters… but damned if they don’t feel all sophisticated now, filing charges against our President and VP. All these thugs better get their mind right and their asses out of our country before January 20th.”
During a CNN interview, Higgins stood by his comments, asserting, “It’s all true. I can share another controversial post tomorrow if you’d like. We do have freedom of speech, and I’ll express my views.”
The Congressional Black Caucus condemned Higgins’ comments, introducing a resolution to censure him. In their statement, they emphasized, “Describing Haiti as the ‘nastiest country in the western hemisphere’ and using derogatory terms for Haitians contradicts the core value of America as a nation of immigrants where everyone is welcome. We all must work to eradicate hate in all its forms and end the vilification of immigrants for political gain.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson addressed the issue in a press conference, revealing that colleagues had approached Higgins about the nature of his post, leading him to take it down. Johnson noted, “Clay Higgins is my dear friend, and he’s someone who speaks frankly. He recognized that his comments were offensive, prayed about it, regretted it, and chose to remove the post. This is a commendable response, and we believe in the power of redemption.”
