Today News Africa journalist Simon Ateba on Fox News accused White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre, who interrupted the briefing after an argument with him, of discriminating against African reporters.
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“I can confirm that the level of discrimination against me, African journalists in the White House is astonishing, ugly,” a Today News Africa journalist said, noting that African reporters in the White House had not been able to ask the press secretary a question for three months.
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“It’s shocking because she is a black immigrant, I am also a black immigrant. She should be ashamed of herself for doing this,” Ateba regrets.
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On Thursday, White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre walked out of the briefing room after arguing with Ateba, who asked “why is it so hard to give an opportunity to ask a question about the US-Africa summit.” After the journalist asked again to ask the question, Jean-Pierre countered that she “tried to answer, but she was not allowed.” After another request from the reporter to ask a question, the press secretary said goodbye and left the briefing room.