Comedians and podcast hosts Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers found themselves in hot water after discouraging listeners from donating to Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s Senate campaign.
The backlash was swift and pointed.
What started as political commentary on their “Las Culturistas” podcast quickly spiraled into accusations of racial bias and poor judgment.
Now both hosts are walking back their words and issuing public apologies.
The Comments That Sparked Controversy
During a January 7 episode of “Las Culturistas,” Rogers and Yang delved into Democratic Party strategy for 2028 and discussed Crockett’s viability as a Senate candidate in Texas.
Don’t waste your money sending to Jasmine Crockett, do not do it. You’re going to waste your money.
Rogers shared his own experience donating to Sarah Gideon, who lost her 2020 challenge against Senator Susan Collins in Maine. Yang voiced agreement with Rogers’ assessment.
The timing was particularly notable. Crockett, a Dallas lawmaker, had announced her Senate bid just weeks earlier on December 8.
Why Texas Matters for Democrats
Crockett faces an uphill battle in Texas, where Democrats haven’t secured a statewide victory in over 35 years.
Her campaign sets up a competitive Democratic primary against state Rep. James Talarico. Both politicians are considered rising stars within their party.
Despite Texas’ deeply red reputation, Democratic strategists have long viewed it as a potential battleground state given shifting demographics and urban growth.
Fans Call Out Racial Undertones
Listeners didn’t hold back their criticism. Many interpreted Rogers’ comments as suggesting that a Black woman couldn’t win a Senate seat in Texas.
So unbelievably disappointing coming from a person in a marginalized community. I expected much better from you and Bowen.
One Spotify user described the segment as “uncomfortable to listen to.”
The criticism highlighted a particular irony: two gay men in entertainment, members of their own marginalized community, appearing to write off a Black woman’s political aspirations based on electability concerns.
Rogers Issues Apology
By Saturday, January 10, Rogers posted an apology to his Instagram story attempting to clarify his intentions.
Transparency and candor matter to me, especially on the podcast. I’m a very progressive person who cares deeply about winning these elections, but my phrasing was not right. I will be more thoughtful! I really do promise.
He continued with specific praise for Crockett herself.
I have great respect and admiration for Rep. Crockett, and I regret that my words suggested otherwise. I just want us to win and I will be better at finding ways to help.
Yang Adds His Own Mea Culpa
The “Saturday Night Live” cast member reposted Rogers’ apology while adding his own brief statement.
Yang acknowledged that he regretted commenting “cursorily” on the matter. He promised to use his platform “more responsibly” going forward.
His apology was notably shorter and less detailed than Rogers’, who had initiated the controversial remarks.
Broader Questions About Political Commentary
This incident raises important questions about who gets to decide electability and how those judgments are made.
Electability arguments have historically been used to sideline women and candidates of color, often becoming self-fulfilling prophecies when donors and supporters pull back based on these assessments.
Rogers framed his comments around strategic resource allocation—a legitimate concern for progressives looking to maximize impact with limited donations.
But critics argue these calculations often rest on biased assumptions about which candidates can connect with voters.
Crockett Remains Focused on Campaign
Representative Crockett has not publicly responded to Rogers and Yang’s comments or their subsequent apologies.
USA TODAY reached out to representatives for all three individuals but had not received comment at the time of reporting.
Crockett’s silence may reflect a strategic decision to stay above the fray and keep focus on her campaign messaging rather than podcast drama.
What This Means for Progressive Media
The controversy highlights growing pains as entertainment figures navigate political commentary.
“Las Culturistas” built its audience through pop culture discussions and LGBTQ+ advocacy. Wading into electoral strategy represents different terrain with higher stakes.
Podcasters with large platforms increasingly find themselves held to journalistic standards by audiences expecting both entertainment and responsible discourse.
Rogers’ emphasis on wanting Democrats “to win” reflects genuine progressive anxiety about 2028 and beyond. But impact matters more than intention, especially when comments reinforce damaging patterns about who deserves support and investment.
Whether the apologies satisfy critics remains to be seen. For Crockett, the focus stays squarely on Texas voters—not podcast hosts questioning her viability before her campaign truly begins.