Tucker Carlson has dismissed backlash over his friendly interview with white nationalist Nick Fuentes, telling his critics to 'buzz off' during a broadcast with Megyn Kelly. The former Fox News host defended his approach, saying he does not need to 'prove that I’m a good person' and is simply trying to understand what people think.
Carlson's sitdown with Fuentes, who has a history of Holocaust denial and antisemitic remarks, has sparked internal conflict within the Republican Party. Jewish conservatives and the Christian right have criticised Carlson for giving Fuentes an open platform with little pushback, particularly after Carlson called Christian Zionists a 'heresy' during the interview.
Prominent conservative figures like Ben Shapiro have labelled Carlson an 'intellectual coward' and a 'super-spreader of vile ideas'. However, Kevin Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation, initially defended Carlson, sparking an 'open rebellion' at the think tank. Roberts later apologised to staff, admitting he made a mistake.
During her SiriusXM show, Kelly pressed Carlson on why he did not challenge Fuentes on his views, including questioning the Holocaust. Carlson responded: 'Do your own interview the way that you want to do it. You’re not my editor. Buzz off.' He added that critics could 'call him and go sit and yell at him and feel virtuous'.
Carlson compared the backlash to that over his interview with Vladimir Putin, stating he does not need to yell at interviewees to prove his character. He insisted he does not share Fuentes' views, saying: 'I’m not telling Nazi jokes, obviously.'
