Bakari Sellers and Kevin O’Leary Spar on CNN After Supreme Court Allows Alabama to Redraw Congressional Map

A sharp on-air clash erupted Monday between CNN commentator Bakari Sellers and Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary during a discussion on CNN’s NewsNight With Abby Phillip. The panel was examining a Supreme Court ruling that cleared the way for Alabama to redraw its congressional map and create new districts.

Washington Examiner reported that the exchange began after O’Leary stated his position on the matter.

Sellers responded by telling O’Leary that he is 71 years old. Sellers added that his mother was born in 1951, desegregated schools and that his father was shot in the civil rights movement. ” Sellers continued, “What I’m telling you is that there are people in this country that fought, died, and bled for the right to vote.

O’Leary cut in, saying, “I’m not a d*, I’m pointing something out to you. The Constitution is being upheld. Do you have a problem with that? ” O’Leary then added over Sellers, “That’s Mr. ” Sellers continued his argument after the reset.

He said that black representation in the South remains inadequate. Sellers argued that too few leaders who truly reflect and understand these communities are being sent to Congress. O’Leary maintained his position in response.

He argued that voters still have access to a ballot box regardless. The Supreme Court ruling that prompted the segment had been handed down the same day as the broadcast. The appearance marked the latest instance of pointed debate on cable news over voting rights and redistricting.

Sellers drew directly on personal family history to underscore his perspective on the longevity of the struggle for equitable representation. O’Leary repeatedly returned to the constitutional role of states in drawing their own maps.