A young Kansas City Chiefs fan accused of using blackface has described the reaction to the claims as “scary” after a reporter branded his face paint “racist” despite being Native American himself, like his father described as “too late”. for an apology.
Holden Armenta and his father Bubba agreed to an interview Wednesday to respond to Deadspin reporter Carron J. Phillips’ allegations that the 9-year-old simultaneously promotes hatred against “blacks and Native Americans.” ‘ is quoted in the sports journalist’s article.
Phillips, a Pulitzer nominee, initially shared a photo on social media of the little boy with only half his face painted black, before more images emerged showing Holden with half red and half black paint on his face.
“Holden, how are you feeling right now?” Fox News’ Jesse Watters asked.
“It’s OK because a lot of kids at school are excited, but it’s starting to make me a little nervous because when they overdo it a little bit, it’s a little scary,” Holden said.
Holden Armenta and his father Bubba respond to ‘blackface’ allegations on Fox News, Wednesday.
EXCLUSIVE: The 9-year-old Chiefs fan who was falsely called a racist for supporting his team speaks out on Primetime.
Holden Armenta says the whole thing was scary and overwhelming. His father Bubba says it’s too late to apologize – the damage is already done. pic.twitter.com/8T4WsMsvm6
— Jesse Watters (@JesseBWatters) November 30, 2023
Holden has described the reaction to the ‘blackface’ allegations as a bit frightening (seen on Sunday)
Deadspin reporter Carron Phillips remains unapologetic about the allegations he made on November 27th
Holden pictured in Phillips’ Deadspin article. In the photo you can only see the black color on his face
Since Carron’s article about him was published on November 27, two days ago, the minor only described the “community support” as “OK” and said it was “really good” on Sunday Feeling the love of the “Chiefs Nation” As a sign of support for the boy, they want to paint her face with red and black paint.
Bubba, the boy’s father, told Watters that his son asked him if he could paint his face before appearing on live television as a show of defiance.
“I mean, he can do whatever he wants,” the Fox News commentator responded. “He’s a great patriot, he’s a great American and he’s a great fan and everyone loves Holden, but Carron from Deadspin doesn’t…”
When asked if he wanted an apology from reporter Bubba, the boy’s father replied: “You know… I don’t even know what to think about it.” It’s a little too late for that…
“The damage is already done.” It’s worldwide… now there’s comments everywhere, there’s disrespect towards Native Americans and towards my family. “We have no intention of disrespecting Indians or tribes in any way.”
While the boy’s father explained that the family belongs to the Chumash tribe, originally from California, and used to live on a reservation, he added that “the tribe we come from doesn’t even wear that kind of head covering.” His son’s headgear was worn at Arrowhead Stadium as the Chiefs defeated their arch-rival, the Las Vegas Raiders, on Sunday.
“This special headdress is a novelty.” “It’s a costume piece,” Bubba continued. “That’s exactly why we bought it and wore it – not at all out of disrespect to the Native Americans.”
Phillips escalated his accusations, saying Holden’s red face paint “makes it worse”
Holden with his headdress and his family, some of whom are Native Americans, at a recent Chiefs game
Phillips has stood his ground since making the “blackface” allegations, even aggravating them by claiming he could argue that the red paint on Holden’s face “makes it worse.”
In a now-deleted tweet, the reporter – a senior writer for Deadspin, a national sports blog – wrote: “For the idiots in my mentions who see this as a harmless act because the other side of his face was painted red, I.” making the argument that it makes it worse. “You’re the ones who hate Mexicans but wear sombreros on Cinco.”
Bubba, Holden’s father, said his son was “upset” and “pretty devastated” when he first learned of Phillips’ blackface claims.
“There’s been a whirlwind of comments, even from other tribes, from tribal members.” Some think it’s OK. Some people think that’s not okay. “It’s a 9-year-old boy supporting his team,” he added.
The Chiefs have not commented on the matter. They travel to Wisconsin to take on the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. Their next home game is December 10th. Many are expected to show their support for Holden and his family by painting their faces in red and black – two of the team colors.