Eva Longoria has apologized for comments she made saying Latina women were the “real heroines” of the 2020 presidential election.
The “Desperate Housewives” star said she was “so sorry for the confusion and lack of context on my part!” after getting flak for telling MSNBC, “The women of color showed up in big ways. Of course, you saw in Georgia, what Black women have done, but Latina women were the real heroines here, beating men in turnout, in every state, and voting for Biden-Harris at an average rate close to three-to-one.”
People on social media criticized Longoria, 45, for “downplaying” the black women’s vote with her remarks, citing exit poll statistics that reported roughly 90 percent of black women voted for President-elect Joe Biden versus about 69 percent of Latina women. According to the Associated Press, many black women were motivated by Biden’s choice for vice president, Kamala Harris, who is half black.
After receiving backlash, Longoria responded in an Instagram post, “Black women have long been the backbone of the Democratic Party, something we have seen played out in this election as well as previous ones. Black women absolutely should be applauded and lifted up! They brought this victory home in a BIG way!”
She also said that her comments were misconstrued, adding, “I was comparing Latinas to Latino men. Not black women. I meant Latinas were the ones who showed up for our LatinX community. Finally, Black women don’t have to do it alone. Latina women and other women of color are standing with them and growing their voice and power. Together we are Unstoppable!!!”
Actress Kerry Washington, who is black, then spoke out in Longoria’s defense, tweeting, “I know Eva like a sister. We have been in many trenches together. She is a fighter for all women. Read below. This is what she meant. This is how she truly feels.”