Carine Jean-Pierre was accused of discriminating against African reporters

Today News Africa journalist Simon Ateba accused White House spokesperson Carine Jean-Pierre, who interrupted a briefing after an argument with him, of discriminating against African reporters.

“I can confirm that the level of discrimination against me, African reporters at the White House is staggering, ugly,” Simon Ateba said, noting that African reporters at the White House have not had a chance to ask the press secretary a question for three months.

“It’s shocking because she’s a dark-skinned immigrant, I’m a dark-skinned immigrant too. She should be ashamed of herself for not allowing journalists from Africa to ask a question,” Ateba lamented.

On Thursday, White House press secretary Karin Jean-Pierre left the briefing room after an argument with Ateba, who asked “why it is so difficult to allow a question about the U.S.-Africa summit.” After the reporter asked the question again, Jean-Pierre countered that she “tried to answer, but they wouldn’t let her.” After another reporter’s request for a question, the press secretary said goodbye and left the briefing room.