The White House Correspondents’ Association board voted to cancel the scheduled comedian Amber Ruffin from this year’s dinner. The annual gathering of journalists, politicos, media executives and influencers from around the world is a fundraiser and important social occasion for the DC media community.
In a statement issued on Saturday March 29, WHCA President Eugene Daniels said the board “unanimously decided” to forgo the comedic portion of the evening, framing the move as an effort to keep the focus on journalism and honoring reporters’ work.
The decision comes after Ruffin sparked controversy with negative remarks about the Trump administration, including referring to them as “kind of a bunch of murderers” during a recent appearance on The Daily Beast podcast. The comment drew criticism from administration officials and triggered behind-the-scenes conversations and whispers about whether she should still take the stage.
Traditionally, the comedian does not comment on whoever is president prior to the dinner. Ruffin addressed the situation on Late Night with Seth Meyers, saying, “I thought when people take away your rights, erase your history, and deport your friends, you’re supposed to call it out. But I was wrong. “Last year’s White House Correspondents Garden Brunch honored and recognized four Maryland police officers whose actions in the wake of the tragic Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore saved many lives. Corporal Jeremy Herbert, Officer Garry Kirts, Sergeant Paul Pastorek, and Officer Timothy Baublitz were in attendance and received an emotional round of applause for their heroism. Here is the video.
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