A young Kansas City Chiefs fan accused of ‘blackface’ has described the reaction to the claims as ‘frightening’ after a reporter labeled his face paint as ‘racist’ despite being Native American himself because his father says it’s ‘too late’. for an apology.
Holden Armenta and his father, Bubba, accepted an interview Wednesday as a way to respond to Deadspin reporter Carron J. Phillips’ accusations that the nine-year-old was spreading hatred against both “black people and Native Americans.” ,” as quoted by the sports journalist article.
Phillips, a Pulitzer nominee, initially shared on social media a photo of the young boy with only half of his face painted in black before more photos surfaced showing Holden wearing half red and half black paint on his face.
“Holden, how are you feeling now?” asked Jesse Watters of Fox News.
“It’s okay because a lot of the kids at school get excited, but I’m starting to get a little nervous about it because if they go a little overboard it’s a little scary,” Holden said.
Holden Armenta and his father, Bubba, respond to ‘blackface’ accusations on Fox News, Wednesday.
Holden has described the response to the ‘blackface’ allegations as a bit scary (seen, Sunday)
Deadspin reporter Carron Phillips remains unapologetic about his November 27 accusations
Holden depicted in Phillips’ Deadspin article. The photo only shows the black paint on his face
The minor described “the support of the community” only as “OK”, since Carron’s article about him was published on November 27, actually two days ago, and said it was “really good” to receive the love of “Chiefs nation” on Sunday to feel, as they plan to wear red and black paint on their faces as a sign of support for the young boy.
Bubba, the boy’s father, even fully told Watters that his son asked him if he could paint his face before appearing on live television as a sign of defiance.
“I mean, he can do whatever he wants,” the Fox News commentator responded. “He’s a great patriot, he’s a great American and he’s a great fan and everyone loves Holden, but Carron at Deadspin doesn’t…”
When asked if he wanted an apology from the reporter, Bubba, the boy’s father said, “You know…I don’t even know what to think about that. It’s a little too late for that…
‘The damage has already been done. It’s worldwide… now there are comments everywhere, there is disrespect towards the Indians and towards my family. It is in no way intended to disrespect Native Americans or tribes.
The boy’s father revealed that they are part of the Chumash tribe, native to California, and that they used to live on a reservation, adding that “the tribe he came from doesn’t even wear that kind of headdress,” referring to his son’s headdress. worn at Arrowhead Stadium when the Chiefs defeated archrivals, the Las Vegas Raiders, on Sunday.
‘This particular headdress is a novelty. It’s a costume piece,” Bubba continued. “That’s exactly what we bought it for and wore it for, not out of respect for the Indians at all.”
Phillips doubled down on the accusations, saying Holden’s red face paint ‘makes it worse’
Holden in his headdress, and family, who are part Native American, at a recent Chiefs game
Phillips has maintained his position since making the ‘blackface’ allegations, even doubling down on them by claiming that he could argue that red paint on Holden’s face ‘makes it worse’.
In a now-deleted tweet, the reporter — a senior writer for Deadspin, a national sports blog — wrote: “For the idiots in my mentions who are treating this as an innocent act because the other side of his face was painted red, I would argue could argue that it makes things worse. You’re the ones who hate Mexicans but wear sombreros on cinco.”
Bubba, Holden’s father, said his son was “upset” and “pretty devastated” when he first heard of Phillips’ “blackface” claims.
”It’s been a whirlwind of comments, even from other tribes, from tribe members. Some are okay with it. Some think it’s not okay. He is a 9-year-old boy supporting his team,” he added.
The Chiefs have not yet commented on the matter. On Sunday they travel to Wisconsin to take on the Green Bay Packers. Their next home match is on December 10, with many expected to show their support for Holden and his family by having their faces painted in red and black – two of the team colours.