Former NBA star Charles Barkley stirred up some controversy following a reporter’s claim about an inappropriate remark he made during an interview.
Axios reporter Alexi McCammond tweeted that the 56-year-old retired professional basketball player was discussing the 2020 Democratic presidential candidates with her when he allegedly said, “I don’t hit women but if I did I would hit you.”
Barkley apparently did not appreciate McCammond pointing out his reversal on which candidate he supported, making the comments after they discussed how he supported South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg though he had previously been behind former two-term Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick for president. Barkley had recently contended that the Democrat Party has done nothing for the black community.
“Just FYI Charles Barkley told me tonight ‘I don’t hit women but if I did I would hit you,’ and then when I objected to that he told me I ‘couldn’t take a joke,'” McCammond tweeted Tuesday.
Just FYI Charles Barkley told me tonight “I don’t hit women but if I did I would hit you,” and then when I objected to that he told me I “couldn’t take a joke.”
— Alexi McCammond (@alexi) November 20, 2019
She noted the comments were made off the records but felt she needed to say something.
There are almost no times I will beak an OTR “agreement” but this is not OK. And it was all because he came in talking about how he loves Deval Patrick and once someone from Pete‘s campaign came around he said he loved Pete and I reminded him he previously said he was a Deval fan
— Alexi McCammond (@alexi) November 20, 2019
Her tweets set up debate on social media as many supported her, condemning Barkley, while others were not ready to “cancel” the NBA legend who is currently an analyst on “Inside the NBA.”
Here’s a pic (albeit dark and blurry) if you need more. pic.twitter.com/Ad32cMemiv
— Alexi McCammond (@alexi) November 20, 2019
McCammond added that she did not like being “part of the story” while noting the number of women who are physically abused each year.
I hate being part of a story so here’s a reminder that this is so much bigger than me: nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the US. 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence https://t.co/eqgn0McbYt https://t.co/nll7a0rv2o
— Alexi McCammond (@alexi) November 20, 2019
“It’s not about me or my feelings,” she added, contending that “everyone should be held accountable” for words that might help perpetuate violence against women.
It’s not about me or my feelings — tho I’m grateful for the many friends who have reached out. But it’s about refusing to allow this culture to perpetuate because of silence on these issues. It’s easier and less awkward to be silent, but that helps NO ONE but the perpetrator.
— Alexi McCammond (@alexi) November 20, 2019
I encourage you to consider how you’d respond if a friend said something similar to what Barkley said tonight. And then challenge yourself to ask the same of yourself if a stranger (or “celebrity”) said that. I hope the answers are the same. Everyone should be held accountable.
— Alexi McCammond (@alexi) November 20, 2019
Some Twitter users backed the reporter, citing past stories about Barkley’s controversial remarks or behavior.
I recall decades ago Barkley making the famous quip “a game like this makes you feel like going home and beating your wife”
What a swell guy.
— Locking My Bikes With A Blockchain (@Lionofflanders) November 20, 2019
Not cool at all, Charles Barkley. Abuse is never a laughing matter.
— Ryan Williams (@Ryan_Wms) November 20, 2019
But Many others on Twitter refused to take McCammond’s word for what happened without proof, blasting the reporter for seeking attention while claiming she did not want to be part of the story.
I hate being a part of a story BUT…let me milk it for all it’s worth! Maybe someone will notice me.
— Munch (@Munch81686133) November 20, 2019
Breaking: Charles Barkley made a joke- off the record, by the way.
Women, if you want to be treated the same as men, you need to understand how they talk to each other. He literally started w “I don’t hit women.” You don’t have to find it funny, but it’s no cause for outrage. https://t.co/tFeDw32zW4
— Carol Roth (@caroljsroth) November 20, 2019
— Suisse Cheese Gangster (@CheeseSuisse) November 20, 2019
You hate to be apart of the story? why take to Twitter about this guy’s lame joke after you agreed it was off the record? If you truly felt threatened I would hope you ended the interview immediately and reported to police….NOT go to social media fishing for attention..WOW
— Jaybarrett (@kreatahJ) November 20, 2019
He was clearly joking. Move on.
— Forrest Richardson (@ForrestPhx) November 20, 2019
Ikr! Acting like some kind of victim #metool lol
— PrincessTeagan❤️ (@PrincesssTeagan) November 20, 2019
Breaking news: Charles Barkley, who has been saying wild shit for laughs for 30+ years, said some wild shit he thought was funny. https://t.co/1mH9wJKwOX
— Lost in the drive-thru. Send help (@tyrant_t336) November 20, 2019
If you felt threatened lady call the laws. It’s too many real abusers out here that go thru it daily. And you putting Charles Barkley stupid comments on social media won’t fix the problem. What’s the point of posting this if your not doing anything about it?
— ⭐Carlito Montana⭐ (@carltiomontana) November 20, 2019
This is hilarious and it’s also Charles Barkley https://t.co/8jgtC3RQj6
— Julian (@chopgod757) November 20, 2019
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