Topic: Homophobic

Pope Francis issued a formal apology after reportedly using a derogatory Italian slur regarding gay men during a private meeting with bishops. While mainstream media translated the term as "gayness," linguistic analysis suggests the word "frocciaggine" carries a much harsher connotation. The Vatican claimed the Pope, whose native language is Spanish, did not intend to offend and was reaffirming the ban on gay men in seminaries.

Comedian Kevin Hart steps down as host of the Oscars following a public outcry over homophobic tweets posted between 2009 and 2011. A segment of his past stand-up routine regarding his fear of his son being gay is played to provide context for the controversy. Hart apologized for his "insensitive words" but chose to withdraw to avoid being a distraction.

Following Joy Reid's apology, her guests on MSNBC attempted to pivot the conversation by attacking the Trump administration. Guests labeled Mike Pence and Mike Pompeo as "homophobic psychopaths" and suggested that Pence would put gay people in "concentration camps." This "whataboutism" is framed as a desperate attempt to distract from Reid's own past rhetoric.

CNN host Brooke Baldwin moderates a panel featuring author Charles Kaiser and Trump supporter Paris Denard. Kaiser lists grievances against Donald Trump, including retweets of controversial accounts and the appointment of Mike Pence. Kaiser labels Pence the most "homophobic man in American public life," a claim that is deconstructed as an exaggeration of Pence's actual legislative record.