Hillary Clinton told 'you owe black people an apology' when confronted about 1996 'super-predators' remark
'You know what? Nobody's ever asked me before,' Hillary Clinton told the Black Lives Matter activist
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Hillary Clinton was told 'you owe black people an apology' when she was confronted about controversial comments she made on mass incarceration.
During a fundraising event in Charleston, South Carolina, Black Lives Matter activist Ashley Williams held a sign quoting comments the presidential hopeful made in 1996, when she said "we have to bring them to heel".
When Ms Clinton reads the sign, Ms Williams tells her: "We want you to apologise for mass incarceration.
"I'm not a 'super-predator', Hillary Clinton. Can you apologise to black people for mass incarceration?"
"Can I talk?" the former Secretary of State replies, before continuing her speech.
However, Ms Williams continues, saying: "You owe black people an apology."
"You know what? Nobody's ever asked me before," Ms Clinton replies, as a man takes the activist by the waist and leads her away.
"You're the first person to ask me, and I am happy to address it. But you are the first person to ask me."
Speaking in support of the 1994 crime bill, Hillary Clinton said: "They are not just gangs of kids anymore.
"They are often the kinds of kids that are called 'super-predators'. No conscience, no empathy.
"We can talk about why they ended up that way, but first we have to bring them to heel."
She has previously distanced herself from the policies and has issued an agenda on racial justice, which pledges to "end the era of mass incarceration".
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments