State Department Press Secretary Jen Psaki was accused of making a sexist comment during Thursday’s press briefing when she claimed that two female reporters were cordial to one another simply because they were women.
The claim, which presumed that male reporters are not cordial, came when one female reporter deferred to another female reporter to ask Psaki a question. Psaki remarked, "How cordial," and continued, "it’s because they’re women." When a reporter noted that the comment was "kind of sexist", Psaki brusquely replied, "No, it’s not."
Below is a full copy of the exchange:
Q: OK, fair enough. But in past agreements, have the Iranians -- do they have -- what's their track record on past agreements? Is it good, bad or (indifferent?)?
MS. PSAKI: Again, Matt, the purpose of a negotiation is to have reasons for both sides to abide by the agreement. Oh, go ahead. Or -- oh -- so cordial. (Laughter.)
Q: Secretary Kerry this morning, in his --
MS. PSAKI: Because they're women. Go ahead. (Laughter.)
Q: That's kind of a sexist comment.
MS. PSAKI: No, it's not.
Gender equality groups have yet to condemn Psaki’s remarks.