Correction: It was previously reported that ABC News Anchor Amy Robach referred to Native Americans as “creatures.” However, it’s now being reported that the anchor responsible for the controversy is Kyra Phillips.
It’s Native American Heritage Month, but racism never takes a day off. Right now ABC News anchor Kyra Phillips is under scrutiny by the Indigenous community and our allies, after she reportedly referred to Native American people as “creatures.” While there are many who are pointing out that the word might have been a typo or mistake, it should be noted that Phillips has not apologized or corrected the mistake. This is not okay.
Kyra Phillips needs to apologize
Indigenous people are not creatures. Even if this was a typographical error, the fact that Robach has failed to issue an apology to the Indigenous community shows a lack of respect. And this typical lack of respect extended to our people just sends the message that it is okay to disparage us, make a mockery of us and disregard so-called “accidental insults” as something unimportant.
Indigenous people are human beings. Kyra Phillips needs to vocally acknowledge this and apologize for this so-called “mistake.” Any trusted journalistic source makes corrections after any other kind of mistake, so why has it taken so long to do so with this blunder?
Chelsea Hoffman is a true crime writer with over a decade of professional writing experience. She is best known for her coverage of missing people including the tragic disappearance of Madeleine McCann as well as the heartbreaking cases of Dylan Redwine, Heather Elvis and many others.
