Jigaboo - While the world raved about Lady Gaga's amazing tribute to Sound of Music during the recent 87th Academy Awards, somewhere in Ohio a news anchor Kristi Capel invariably put herself in line for a barrage of criticisms after she used a racially offensive word to describe the mesmerizing show by the Pocker Face singer.
On Monday, Fox 8 anchor Kristi Capel, who was on air with African-American co-presenter Wayne Dawson, was trying to compliment Lady Gaga on her performance when she said "It is hard to really hear her voice, with all that jigaboo music that she does. Whatever you want to call it. Jigaboo."
It is clear that her co-host Dawson must know something about the meaning and history of the word "jigaboo" as he cracks a wry smile once she utters it.
Girl, "Jigaboo music"? @Kristi_Capel and then you offer that raggedy apology? @fox8news she needs to be off air. https://t.co/SJqW23Ck5m
— Bette Tattler (@brittanymichawn) February 24, 2015
Since the incident Kristi Capel, who was crowned Miss Missouri in 2006, has been criticized by many people on social media.
Well what the hell did she think Jigaboo meant?
— asha bandele (@ashabandele) February 24, 2015
#JIGABOO is what happens when news stations refuse to hire anchor-women over the age of 26. High tits are great, unless you want to learn.
— c. (@prettyplusmore) February 24, 2015
Waiting for Lady Gaga to slam news lady about #jigaboo comment by writing a new song by that title
— LilMsMayhemAtheist (@lilmishnmayhem) February 24, 2015
Just in case you're not informed, jigaboo is a racially offensive word that was used to describe African-Americans in the early 20th century. The word is said to be related to bugaboo and jig.
After Capel realized that her comment had sparked a public outcry, she took to twitter to apologize but in the process stirred up more controversy.
"I apologize if I offended you, I had no idea it was a word or what it meant. Thank you for watching," she tweeted. But this invariably ignited a debate about whether Kristi Capel really knew the meaning of 'jigaboo' or actually she used a word that she doesn't know what it means on live television.
How does someone reach that level in one's profession and not know what "jigaboo" meant?! How? That's local news for you. #KristiCapel
— Joe Schmo (@Jay2theOh2theEe) February 24, 2015
And how the hell are u a grown adult in this country and don't know the impact of "jigaboo".
— Turner (@CheerwinePapi) February 24, 2015
She later rephrased her apology to say "I deeply regret my insensitive comment. I didn't know the meaning and would never intentionally use hurtful language."
I deeply regret my insensitive comment. I didn't know the meaning and would never intentionally use hurtful language. I sincerely apologize
— Kristi Capel (@Kristi_Capel) February 23, 2015
Fox 8 news director Andy Fishman has also defended Capel saying that she didn't actually know what the word meant, but he was quick to add that it "is not an excuse."
"We've spoken to her about this, and we're confident it won't happen again. From here, we'll handle it internally," he said.
