ATLANTA -- Rapper Killer Mike, who spoke at a Bernie Sanders campaign event here Tuesday, is defending himself against allegations of sexism after he quoted a woman who said that "a uterus doesn't qualify you to be president of the United States."
The rapper, who has endorsed Sanders and been a forceful advocate for the Vermont senator, cited a woman named Jane Elliott as the source of the quote during his speech at Morehouse College.
Here’s that full @KillerMike riff, where he mentions “uterus” and “being president.” Was quoting someone. pic.twitter.com/kyFJoAeu19— Juana Summers (@jmsummers) February 17, 2016
The quote quickly drew criticism from Clinton allies and other Democrats.
Brad Woodhouse, the head of the pro-Clinton super PAC Correct the Record called the comments sexist and urged Sanders to condemn them.
Like their hasn't been enough sexist bullshit on this campaign - now this from @BernieSanders camp. https://t.co/3Uq36QQAat— Brad Woodhouse (@woodhouseb) February 17, 2016
Bakari Sellars, a former South Carolina state representative who supports Clinton this cycle but backed Obama eight years ago, said "that comment ain't cool. No place."
Bro, you can't say that repeat it. Whatever. Don't say it. https://t.co/zjUOQcfZfN— Bakari Sellers (@Bakari_Sellers) February 17, 2016
In a series of tweets following the rally, Killer Mike tweeted that he was simply repeating a statement that had been made to him, and did not mean to disparage Clinton.
In one tweet, the rapper said that it was not an "attack," but instead was a quote "from another progressive woman to me."
"I don't attack," he wrote.
So Women are being told to not vote Hillary is sex betrayal & Becuz another progressive woman says something disagreeing I'm sexist. Lmfao— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) February 17, 2016
Killer Mike also said he would support "any one who can lead this country on behalf of the worker," naming a number of progressive women including Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren.
But i don't and never will Hate or think less of woman. Sen. Nina Turner is my Next Great Political Champ but I'm sorry No HRC for me.— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) February 17, 2016
He also linked to an Instagram video, showing his full remarks, saying "sexism is wack, but truth shall set...me free lol."