J.D. Vance Faces Backlash Over Controversial Social Media Post
Vice President J.D. Vance is no stranger to using social media to share his opinions, particularly during his campaign alongside Donald Trump. However, one of his recent posts stirred major controversy—yet despite the backlash, he refused to back down.
Keep reading to find out what happened.
J.D. Vance’s Controversial Post
Before taking office, Vance was highly vocal on social media, often using his platform to weigh in on political matters. But one particular post landed him in hot water—when he shared a clip from the 2007 Miss Teen USA pageant to mock Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.
At first glance, it might have seemed like a lighthearted jab, but many people were quick to point out the deeper impact of his post—especially on the young woman featured in the clip, Caitlin Upton.
The Backlash Over the Viral Clip
The infamous clip, which resurfaced during Vance’s 2024 campaign, showed Upton struggling to answer a pageant question about Americans’ geographical knowledge. Her rambling response made her a viral sensation—but for all the wrong reasons.
For years, she faced relentless ridicule and online bullying to the point where she lost friends and even considered suicide.
Vance’s post reignited the painful memory for many, leading to immediate backlash.
One person responded, “You forced former Miss South Carolina to relive public humiliation, bullying, and cruelty that once led her to consider suicide.”
Others called out the irony, reminding Vance that Upton had previously supported Donald Trump, yet he still chose to mock her.
“You’re making fun of her? Seems very on brand for you to send a message like this to women,” another commenter wrote.
J.D. Vance Responds—But Doesn’t Apologize
After the controversy erupted, Vance addressed the criticism in an interview with CNN.
He admitted he wasn’t aware that Upton had struggled with the fallout of the viral clip—but even after learning about it, he still refused to apologize for sharing the video.
“Politics has gotten way too lame,” he stated. “I’m not going to apologize for posting a joke.”
Vance defended his decision, saying that humor has a place in politics. “You can have some fun while making an argument to the American people about improving their lives,” he explained.
He also pointed out that he himself has made mistakes on camera before. “I’ve said a lot of stupid things on camera,” he admitted. “The best way to deal with it is to laugh at ourselves.”
Caitlin Upton Responds
After the post gained attention, Upton herself spoke out, expressing disappointment that the moment was being brought up again after 17 years.
“It’s a shame that this is still being talked about,” she wrote, according to Deadline. “Regardless of political beliefs, one thing I do know is that social media and online bullying need to stop.”
Despite his remarks, Vance remained firm in his stance, concluding:
“I’m not going to apologize for posting a joke, but I wish Caitlin the best. One bad moment shouldn’t define anybody.”
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