Former Representative Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) sparked controversy during a live appearance on CNN Wednesday, claiming that the stress from being called the “N-word” daily contributes to high rates of chronic illness among Black Americans. His remarks came during a heated discussion on race and political rhetoric.
“The reason why heart disease and cancer and obesity and diabetes are bigger in the Black community is because of the stress we carry from having to deal with being called the ‘N-word’ directly or indirectly every day,” Bowman told the panel. He attributed these stressors to what he described as America’s failure to confront its “original sin” of racism.
The comments were made during a broader discussion on New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s recent Democratic primary victory. CNN’s Abby Phillip had introduced the topic by accusing conservative figures of making Islamophobic posts about Mamdani, prompting a segment-wide argument about racism and political violence.
Former Pence chief of staff Marc Short noted recent assassination attempts on conservative figures, including President Donald Trump and Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, as examples of rising violence from the political left. Bowman responded by citing shootings at Democratic lawmakers and hate-based mass killings, saying these reflect a persistent culture of racism and extremism.
Bowman, who left Congress earlier this year, continued to blame the Republican Party for not addressing what he called ongoing racist rhetoric. “Your colleagues in the Republican Party do not hold each other accountable,” he said, accusing GOP members of ignoring systemic bigotry.
The CNN exchange marks Bowman’s latest in a series of racially charged public statements, including a recent “Dear White People” post following the acquittal of Daniel Penny. His remarks have drawn sharp criticism from conservatives who see them as divisive and inflammatory.
