Bowen Yang regrets podcast comments calling donations to Rep Jasmine Crockett a 'waste'

WASHINGTON, DC: Comedians Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers issued public apologies, on Saturday, January 10, after comments made on their 'Las Culturistas' podcast about Rep Jasmine Crockett drew criticism from listeners.

The remarks, which discouraged donations to Crockett’s US Senate campaign, circulated widely on social media following the episode’s release.

Both hosts said they regretted their wording and pledged to be more thoughtful in future discussions.

Podcast remarks about Jasmine Crockett prompts criticism 

The comments were made during the Thursday episode of 'Las Culturistas', a pop culture podcast hosted by Yang and Rogers.

During the show’s recurring segment 'I Don’t Think So Honey', Rogers criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom and questioned his prospects as a future presidential candidate.

Rogers said that he was turned off “anytime a politician was making it too obviously about themselves,” before turning his attention to Crockett, who launched her Senate campaign in Texas in December.

“And don’t waste your money sending to Jasmine Crockett,” Rogers said. “Do not do it. Don’t do it. You’re going to waste your money.”

Yang agreed, adding that money was “hard enough to come by” for many people.

Rogers then returned the discussion to Newsom, expressing skepticism about his national viability.

The exchange prompted backlash from listeners, with some criticizing the hosts for discouraging political participation and singling out a Democratic candidate.

Several comments shared on social media described the remarks as unhelpful and poorly timed.

Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers issue public apologies

On Saturday, after the episode aired, both hosts addressed the criticism in posts shared to their Instagram stories.

“Transparency and candor matter to me, especially on the podcast,” Rogers wrote. “I’m a very progressive person who cares deeply about winning these elections, but my phrasing was not right."

He added, "I will be more thoughtful! I really do promise. I have great respect and admiration for Rep Crockett, and I regret that my words suggested otherwise."

Yang reposted Rogers’ statement and added his own message, saying that he “should not have cursorily weighed in on this” and promised to use his platform “more responsibly” moving forward.

Crockett, who represents Texas’s 30th Congressional District, is seeking the Democratic nomination against Texas State Rep James Talarico.

She gained national attention for her high-profile clashes with former President Donald Trump and his allies. Early polling has placed her ahead in the primary contest.

The comments also come as Yang is reportedly preparing to depart Saturday Night Live after several seasons on the NBC sketch comedy show.

His final episode as a regular cast member is expected to air later this month. Yang has not publicly commented on the reported exit. Crockett has also not publicly responded to the podcast remarks.