Hasan Piker accused the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel of taking money from the Israeli unicameral Legislature, the “Knesset” to publish what he called an “idiotic hit piece” on his past comments after his fundraising livestream with Democrat gubernatorial hopeful Francesca Hong. He said, “I hope you got $7,000 from the Israeli Knesset to be able to write such a fucking idiotic hit piece… shame on you.””
The Journal Sentinel article compiled several controversial statements from Piker. These included calls to kill capitalists, a claim that America “deserved” the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, and remarks that Orthodox Jews are “inbred.”
Piker’s response comes after Hong joined him and fellow Democratic Socialist streamer Mike from PA which raised nearly $92k for Hong as a result.
The coverage and livestream have exposed clear divisions among Democrats running for governor. Sara Rodriguez and Mandela Barnes have not commented on Hong’s decision to appear with Piker.
Kelda Roys offered a response through her spokesman and said, “How candidates raise money reflects the type of leader they are and the type of governor they would be,” but failed to elaborate from there.
David Crowley, Milwaukee County Executive, became the first candidate to openly condemn the stream. “This race isn’t about who can generate the most viewers on their livestream by making outrageous and offensive statements,” said Crowley.
Ann Jacobs, co-chair of the WisDems Jewish Caucus and a commissioner on the Wisconsin Election Commission, posted a sharp rebuke on X.
“When you decide these are the sort of people you want to hang out with in order to raise $, you have made clear that you either (1) agree with them or (2) can be bought or (3) both. Fran Hong appears to be all 3. She is willing to sell out the Jews of Wisconsin for a few bucks,” Jacobs said.
Hong has defended the appearance, but said she does not necessarily agree with every statement Piker has made.
The Aug. 11 Democratic primary features six candidates. The winner will face Tiffany in the Nov. 3 general election.
