Russian State TV Calls Karine Jean-Pierre 'Dark-Skinned Immigrant'

Russian State TV hosts have mocked White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre with comments about her sexuality, gender and skin color, according to a video going viral on social media.

Jean-Pierre became the first Black woman and openly LGBTQ person to serve as White House press secretary after Jen Psaki stepped down on May 13.

The video clip, that has so far been viewed over 80,000 times, was shared on Twitter on Wednesday by Daily Beast columnist Julia Davis.

"Kremlin propagandists on Russian state TV give a warm welcome to White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre," she said in a tweet of the video.

"This revealing clip features racism, sexism and homophobia. It's pretty typical for bigoted Russian television, but don't watch if you have high blood pressure."

The video shows TV hosts and journalists in conversation and accompanied by clips of Jean-Pierre speaking in her role as White House press secretary.

The video also has an English translation running along the bottom of the page.

Newsweek was able to independently verify that the words accompanying the video match what is being said. However, it is unclear when the video was recorded.

"This girl will make it for a month or two, then she'll be replaced, to your satisfaction. They'll replace her with a white, heterosexual male," TV host Evgeny Popov said.

Fellow-host Olga Skabeeva replied: "Let's live long enough to see it."

Journalist Andrei Sidorchik then accused Jean-Pierre of not being qualified for the role.

"She admits not being chosen for [her] professional abilities but because she is a dark-skinned immigrant, etc. and this was secured by her predecessors," he said.

"When she makes mistakes, that will be her excuse. 'I'm not professional, I was chosen for other reasons.'"

Popov added to this by saying that he has been to university and read many books but that doesn't qualify him to represent the United States in the White House.

While laughing and pointing at the video of Jean-Pierre, he said it was more important to look like her and closed by saying that at least she was "cute."

U.S. President Joe Biden released a statement following the appointment of Jean-Pierre highlighting his confidence in her to do a good job as White House press secretary.

"Karine not only brings the experience, talent and integrity needed for this difficult job, but she will continue to lead the way in communicating about the work of the Biden-Harris Administration on behalf of the American people,"

"Jill and I have known and respected Karine a long time and she will be a strong voice speaking for me and this Administration."

Jean-Pierre was previously the principal deputy press secretary and deputy assistant to the president. According to the White House, she had been a long-time advisor to Biden.

"It is a true honor. I look forward to serving this Administration and the American people," Jean-Pierre said on Twitter after her appointment was announced. "I have big shoes to fill. [Psaki] has been a great friend, mentor and excellent press secretary."

Newsweek has contacted the White House for comment.