California gubernatorial hopeful Caitlyn Jenner was heckled and mocked inside the Dallas hotel hosting the Conservative Action Political Convention (CPAC) Friday, with one man calling the 71-year-old transgender woman a "sick freak."
The Olympic gold medalist decathlete, who announced her intention to run in California's 2022 governor election last April, was seen talking with fans inside the Hilton Anatole Hotel yesterday when the heckler approached with a recording cell phone. The man repeatedly referred to Jenner as "Bruce" and demanded the former reality TV star "remember Jesus Christ."
Caitlyn Jenner was harassed yesterday at CPAC. pic.twitter.com/sgwwcqEdwV
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) July 10, 2021
"Hey Bruce, what do you think about the stuff they're teaching in schools regarding the LGBTQ," asked the social media heckler, who labels himself "The Black Conservative Preacher."
Jenner continued to ignore the heckler, who said "look at that sick freak" as Jenner approached a waiting vehicle outside the lobby. The heckler also used a practice often referred to as "deadnaming," where a transgender person is deliberately called the name they used prior to their transition. In Jenner's case, the heckler said "Bruce" numerous times during the recording.
During CPAC, numerous jokes were made at the expense of transgender athletes and celebrities, including by right-wing podcaster Jesse Keller, who did a mocking "news" skit on the U.S. Women's Gymnastics team.
"The U.S. Women's Gymnastics coach was asked if he was concerned about the lack of feminine grace on his squad. Coach got a little defensive and snapped, 'We might not be the most feminine team on the planet, but these girls have the balls to compete," Kelly said in the skit, which took place at a "Socialist News Network" desk featuring a "CNN" ripoff logo.
Jenner appeared to ignore the incident altogether and instead focused on criticism of Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom. During a Friday appearance on Fox & Friends, Jenner said "there's no common sense in California when it comes to government," expressing full support for recalling Newsom from office.
Newsweek reached out to representatives for Jenner as well as CPAC organizers for any additional remarks about the incident Saturday afternoon.
