A Statement from NABJ on Charles Barkley’s Comments and Actions

Charles Barkley’s comment to reporter Alexi McCammond, which included the words “I don’t hit women but if I did I would hit you” is highly offensive and unacceptable. Additionally, when Ms. McCammond objected to his comment, she said he responded, “you can’t take a joke.” NABJ finds no humor in this case and calls on not only Barkley but everyone to refrain from using insulting language and actions that are threats of physical or mental abuse — no matter how they are presented. We are grateful to Ms. McCammond, the 2019 NABJ Emerging Journalist of the Year, for bringing this comment to light. NABJ does not condone any commentary, in any setting, that will disrespect or disregard women or that supports violence against anyone.

In reference to accusations about Mr. Barkely’s statements at a 2017 NABJ event regarding women journalists and reporting sexual harassment, again we state that we do not condone any comments or actions that disrespect or disregard women nor any comment or action that downplays their experiences with sexual misconduct.