A day after Ann Coulter faced harsh criticism for making fun of Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz’s son Gus, conservative radio host Jay Weber is now facing criticism for his own remarks about the Minnesota governor’s 17-year-old offspring.
The younger Walz had a TV moment at the DNC when a video of his tearful applause during his father’s speech – during which he proudly pointed his finger at him and shouted, “That’s my father!” – went viral.
“Sorry, but this is embarrassing for father and son,” Weber, a host on Milwaukee talk radio station 1130 WISN, wrote on X. “If the Walzs (sic) represent today’s American man, this country is screwed. ‘This is my son Gus. He is a crying boy. His mother and I are very proud.'”
Weber has since removed the post, but Milwaukee County Executive Shawn Rolland shared a screenshot.
The younger Walz suffers from ADHD, an anxiety disorder and a nonverbal learning disorder, his parents explained in an interview published before the party conference. This, together with the fact that he is still a minor and is not running for public office himself, sparked a wave of criticism of Weber, who has since apologized.
“This is a broader apology for something stupid and hurtful I said yesterday. I said it without thinking or knowing the facts. No excuses. As a teacher, I had a policy to never involve children. I violated that and am disappointed in myself. I apologize to the Walz family and anyone who felt offended. I feel terrible, I am so sorry.”
Weber’s broadcast biography states: “The tone of Jay’s show is aggressive and passionate, emphasizing his own opinions as well as those of listeners and callers. Jay is also known for his edgy sense of humor.”
Many pointed out that although Weber had apologized and deleted his post about Walz, a post he made in 2015 in which he reported on the exchange of cattle for the hand of then 17-year-old Malia Obama was still relevant.
What was no longer live? Weber himself.
The 1130 WISN website stated that Ben Yount was guest host on The Jay Weber Show today.
Deadline has reached out to WISN and station license holder iHeartRadio for comment. This story will be updated if a comment is received.
