2024-08-24 16:10:02
Conservative Wisconsin radio host Jay Weber apologized Friday for mocking Gus Walz, the 17-year-old son of Democratic vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz, for his emotional reaction to his father’s speech at this week’s Democratic National Convention.
Gus Walz, who has ADHD, an anxiety disorder and a non-verbal learning disorder, sprung from his seat at one point during the speech and could be seen tearfully saying: “I love you, dad! That’s my dad!”
Weber wrote in a post on X, “Sorry, but this is embarrassing for both father and son. If the Walzs represent today’s American man, this country is screwed: ‘Meet my son, Gus. He’s a blubbering bitch boy. His mother and I are very proud.'”
Weber, a radio host for 1130 WISN-AM, has faced heavy criticism for his comments, with some calling for him to be fired, and others urging a station boycott. He has since deleted his post, initially saying “I didn’t realize the kid was disabled.”
On Friday, there was a fill-in host on “The Jay Weber Show.” That host, Benjamin Yount, said Weber’s absence was “scheduled ahead of time.”
“Jay will be back on Monday,” he said.
Weber apologized on X Friday, acknowledging he had said “something stupid and hurtful.”
“I said it without thinking or having the facts,” Weber wrote. “No excuses Having been a teacher, I’ve had a standard of never involving children, I broke that and I’m disappointed with myself.”
He added, “I apologize to the Walz family and anyone who was offended. I feel horrible, I am so sorry.”
But some responded with screenshots of previous Weber posts targeting Malia Obama, the daughter of former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama. In one 2016 post, he referenced Malia, who was 18 at the time, “twerking” in a video. And in a post from 2015, he shared an article about someone who offered 50 cows, 70 sheep and 30 goats to marry Malia, saying, “It’s not a bad deal.” She was 16 at the time.
Gus Walz’s non-verbal learning disorder, which his dad calls his “secret power,” is shared by millions of Americans. Despite the 3% to 4% of people (both children and adults) who have the condition, it’s not nearly as understood as Gus’ other diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Weber was not the only conservative media personality who mocked Gus Walz on social media. Others included right-wing commentator Ann Coulter wrote, “Talk about weird,” on X, in a post which has since been deleted.
Many others have praised his joy over his father’s speech.
“I was touched to see Gus Walz’s joy when his dad Tim Walz took the stage last night. Thankful for you showing us all what real love looks like, Gus,” former First Lady Michelle Obama wrote in social media posts. “Let’s be a nation that embraces this kind of warmth and vulnerability, instead of making fun or mocking it. We could all use some of Gus’s example in our own lives.”
Longtime Republican operative Craig Peterson said watching Gus Walz’s reaction made him think of his son, Hunter, who has Down syndrome. He said he called Weber immediately after seeing his post.
“As soon as I saw it, I called the station and left a message for him and just said, ‘You know, you should really apologize to all of us who have kids with special needs, because that could have been my son,'” Peterson said in an interview with the Journal Sentinel. “Last night, as I’m watching that, all I can think about is, ‘That is Hunter.'”
Peterson added, “I love how the Walzes referred to his disability as a special power, which is cool. I’m gonna start using that with Hunter.”
Peterson called for a station boycott in a Thursday Facebook post, saying, “If management doesn’t reprimand Weber, the listeners and advertisers should. Everyone deserves to know the (character) of the talent employed by iHeartMedia Milwaukee.”
The radio station, which is not affiliated with WISN-TV, hasn’t issued a statement on the matter and did not return a phone call from the Journal Sentinel Friday.
Weber has not responded to requests for an interview.
