Conservative radio host Jay Weber faced backlash for his derogatory remarks about Gus Walz, the 17-year-old son of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, following the Democratic National Convention (DNC). Gus had an emotional moment at the DNC, where he tearfully applauded his father, proudly shouting, “That’s my dad!” This moment went viral, prompting Weber to mock the young man on social media, describing him in offensive terms.
The backlash was swift, particularly because Gus has ADHD, an anxiety disorder, and a non-verbal learning disorder. Critics emphasized that Gus is a minor and not a public figure, making Weber’s comments particularly inappropriate.
Weber’s post was quickly deleted, but Milwaukee County Supervisor Shawn Rolland shared a screenshot, ensuring the comment remained in public view. The criticism intensified due to Gus’s personal challenges and the fact that he is a child, leading to widespread condemnation.
Conservative Host Jay Weber Faces Backlash for Mocking Governor’s Son with Disabilities After DNC
Weber eventually issued a public apology, acknowledging his mistake and expressing regret for his hurtful words. He emphasized that he had acted without thinking and apologized to the Walz family and anyone else who was offended by his remarks.
In his apology, Weber expressed disappointment in himself, especially given his past experience as a teacher, where he upheld a standard of never involving children in such matters. He admitted that he had violated this standard and expressed his deep remorse.
Despite removing the post and apologizing, Weber’s history of controversial remarks resurfaced, with critics pointing out a 2015 tweet in which he joked about trading livestock for the hand of a then-17-year-old Malia Obama, a comment that remains online.
The situation escalated further when it was noticed that Weber was absent from his show, with a guest host taking his place. This absence raised questions about whether his comments had led to any repercussions from his employer, WISN, or the station’s parent company, iHeartRadio. Although the station and the company were contacted for comment, no official response had been received at the time.
The incident highlights the broader issue of public figures making inappropriate comments about minors, particularly those with disabilities. Weber’s case serves as a reminder of the responsibility that media personalities have in their public statements and the potential consequences of crossing ethical boundaries, especially when it involves vulnerable individuals.
