TV host Greg Gutfeld was accused of making an “embarrassing” comparison between Donald Trump and Nelson Mandela following the newly elected president’s conviction in the “hush money” case.
The journalist appeared on Fox to discuss Trump’s unconditional release for the 34 felony counts of falsifying corporate records for which he was convicted after his trial in May.
The punishment means the new president will avoid jail time, large fines and probation.
“Trump is a convicted felon, just like Nelson Mandela,” Gutfeld said. ‘Bill Gates, Justin Bieber, Martha Stewart.’
However, viewers were quick to point out that Gutfeld was wrong about Bieber and Gates’ conviction.
Although the ‘Sorry’ hitmaker has had many run-ins with the law, none have resulted in felony convictions.
Similarly, Microsoft billionaire Gates has admitted to being arrested for driving violations in his youth, but they were minor incidents.
Gutfeld was widely mocked on social media for his comparison, with many pointing out that while Trump walked free, Mandela spent 27 years in prison.
TV host Greg Gutfeld was accused of making an ’embarrassing’ comparison between Donald Trump and Nelson Mandela as he responded to the president-elect’s ‘hush money’ conviction
Trump has been granted unconditional pardon for the 34 criminal counts of falsifying corporate records for which he was convicted after his trial in May.
‘Just like Nelson Mandela. Wow. That’s a ridiculous comparison,” someone wrote on X.
“Embarrassing comparison,” agreed another.
‘Mandela spent 27 years in prison. Send Trump to jail and you can make that comparison even if it still wouldn’t be true,” one person said.
‘Mandela fought for freedom under an oppressive regime; Trump is being charged with self-interest crimes,” another added. “Comparing the two is absurd, but they will say anything to defend their cult leader.”
Mandela was arrested and imprisoned in 1962 during his campaign work to dismantle the racist apartheid state in South Africa.
He was accused of organizing an illegal strike and leaving the country without valid travel documents.
Mandela made the trip to try to gain support for his resistance cause.
Gutfeld’s comment about Gates did not entirely escape Fox’s hosts, who asked him for further explanation.
Gutfled also falsely claimed that Bill Gates and Justin Bieber are convicted felons
Although Bieber has had several run-ins with the law, none of the incidents have resulted in a felony conviction
Bill Gates was arrested for driving violations in his youth, but they were minor incidents
“He drove without a license in the 1970s and was arrested twice,” Gutfeld responded.
Gates has previously told how he was stopped in New Mexico in 1977 for driving without a license.
“They stopped me, but I didn’t have my driver’s license, and they stuck me with all the drunks all night,” he said.
However, his comments about Bieber went unchallenged, even if they were also inaccurate.
The Canadian singer has been convicted of vandalism after robbing his neighbor’s house.
He was on probation for the crime when he pleaded guilty to reckless driving and resisting arrest without violence after an incident in Florida.
He was also convicted of assault in a Toronto court in 2015.