The CEO of satire website 'The Babylon Bee' hit back at critics who were up in arms over a parody news article on Vivek Ramaswamy.
Seth Dillon took to social media to offer his thoughts on the conservative site's recent post that drew both laughter and outrage over a perceived racist joke at Ramaswamy's expense.
“Some of our readers have expressed concern about this report, suggesting it did not meet the high journalistic standards they expect from us,” Dillon wrote on Wednesday X.
“We want you to know that we heard you. We heard your voices. And they are stupid,” he added.
Some of our readers have expressed concern about this report, suggesting that it did not meet the high journalistic standards they expect from us. We want you to know that we heard you. We heard your voices. And they are stupid. https://t.co/7uJVsnUbYA
— Seth Dillon (@SethDillon) January 17, 2024
The article in question had followed Ramaswamy's decision to end his presidential campaign this week and throw his support behind former President Donald Trump, the clear frontrunner in the Republican primary race.
The article was titled “Trump Promises Vivek An Administration Position Running The White House 7-Eleven,” and said the young businessman accepted Trump's offer of an “olive branch” with the position.
“I've always said that Vimbik Rumpsalami was a great man, one of the greatest men, to be honest… That's why I asked Rikki-Tikki-Tavi if he would accept the honor of running the White House 7-Eleven in the West Wing,” joked the parody article with a fake Trump quote.
The post announcing the article has been viewed 10.5 million times, and while many found the humor, the barrage of reactions included many who were not amused.
Conservative cartoonist George Alexopoulos wrote “Yikes,” while Blaze host Steve Deace said it was “one of the most brutal headlines these guys have ever made.”
“I'm never sure what's worse about this aspiring right-wing onon site: that it's unfunny or that it's openly bigoted,” wrote MSNBC host Mehdi Hasan.
“Racist yes, but I also think it's outdated…isn't that a more contemporary stereotype of an Indian who would be a tech executive?” asked Bloomberg columnist Matthew Yglesias.
This 7-11 would be the most efficiently ruined 7-11 in the country with 200% revenue AFTER laying off 70% of the workforce.
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) January 17, 2024
Cursed
— Hodgetwins (@hodgetwins) January 17, 2024
I just reported this account to the FBI for hate crimes
— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) January 17, 2024
Babylon Bee bass beat
— Sri Harsha (@X___PB) January 16, 2024
I like bee, but this was a bit tasteless.
— Nick Dumitru (@nickdumitru) January 16, 2024
It's not your best work.
— Michael Combs (@HERONapkinROCK) January 16, 2024
I didn't think conservatives would be upset about that. I'm sure Vivek would have a good laugh.
Come on! We are not the side that is against comedy.
— Kat Canada (@KatCanada_TM) January 17, 2024
In addition to Dillon's response to the criticism, Babylon Bee editor-in-chief Kyle Mann wrote: “Too far guys, thanks for coming back” in an apparent reference to Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, the Indian owner of Kwik-E-Mart from “The Simpsons”. .”
Too far guys, thanks for coming again
— Kyle Mann (@The_Kyle_Mann) January 16, 2024
And the backlash continued after Dillon's retort.
This joke bombed. That's all I'm saying
— Koka (@venkatesh_koka) January 17, 2024
Not really man, the headline wasn't and isn't funny. It seems like a title with little fun and little effort. That's why people really complain. Not really for any reason of career or awakening. Objectively, it's not a shock.
— Autism Capital (@AutismCapital) January 17, 2024
… I think Vivek didn't care as much as some of the people offended on his behalf ♂️
— Aaron M. Lorenzo (@StMosesPress) January 17, 2024
LOL, thanks! Satire is satire. Grow a couple of people
— Alpha-Bravo (@aburk203) January 17, 2024
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