America's first Sikh-American Attorney General Gurbir Grewal has been racially targeted by two radio hosts who repeatedly called him the "turban man" on air, drawing severe criticism from politicians and netizens over their "xenophobic and racist" comments.
Dennis Malloy and Judi Franco, who host the "Dennis and Judi Show" on the radio show NJ 101.5FM, were talking about Grewal's decision to suspend marjiuana prosecutions when they began calling him "turban man."
"Turban man!" Franco repeated in a sing-song tone. If it offends you, then don't wear the turban, man, and I'll remember your name," Malloy, said as both the hosts laughed. "But Turban Man -- is that highly offensive?"
He tweeted," I'm a Sikh American. I have 3 daughters. And yesterday, I told them to turn off the radio."
Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla, also a Sikh-American who wears the turban, tweeted, Hey "Racist Man" @DennisandJudi : I'm a Jersey guy, born & raised, and so is NewJerseyOAG Grewal - this type of racist garbage has no place in Jersey. Get with the program! #RacistManDennis #jerseypride #educateyourself."
The clip quickly garnered attention on Twitter and civil rights advocacy group ACLU of New Jersey tweeted a link with an audio pronunciation of Grewal's name, saying Turban man? Is that offensive?' Yep. (If you have to ask). Racism isn't cute. It's just racist."
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