Walmart withdraws donation to GOP Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith after criticism
Walmart on Tuesday said it was "requesting a refund" from the campaign of GOP Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith after the company came under pressure to distance itself from the Mississippi lawmaker's "public hanging" remark.
Campaign finance records show that the company made a $2,000 donation on Nov. 18, nearly a week after Hyde-Smith was caught on video saying she would be "on the front row" if a supporter invited her to "a public hanging." Records also show the company gave a $1,000 contribution to her campaign this past June.
The retail giant announced its decision to withdraw its support in response to actress Debra Messing, who tweeted about the issue on Monday.
"Hi Debra. Completely understand your concern. Sen. Hyde-Smith's recent comments clearly do not reflect the values of our company and associates. As a result, we are withdrawing our support and requesting a refund of all campaign donations," the company said in a tweet.
Hyde-Smith's campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment. However, Hyde-Smith has previously denied there was any negative connotation to her "public hanging" remark, which drew sharp rebuke from both sides. Critics noted that the comments were especially hurtful given Mississippi's history of racial violence and lynching against African Americans.
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