She did not think before posting.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer addressed backlash over a recent viral video in which she was accused of mocking the Eucharist by using a Dorito chip, clarifying that her actions were “misconstrued.” In a statement to Fox 2 Detroit, Whitmer emphasized that throughout her 25-year public service career, she has always respected people’s religious beliefs and would never intentionally disrespect any faith.
The controversy erupted after an Instagram video, posted by Canadian journalist Liz Plank, showed Whitmer feeding a Dorito to a kneeling Plank in a manner that critics said resembled the Catholic ritual of receiving communion. Whitmer faced criticism from social media users and the Michigan Catholic Conference, with some calling the gesture blasphemous and offensive. In the video, Whitmer wore a “Harris-Walz” hat and appeared to jokingly participate in the scene, which some perceived as mocking a sacred practice.
Plank, who leads a group called “Hotties For Harris,” also conducted an interview with Whitmer during which they joked about the concept of a “post-birth abortion,” a term Whitmer laughed off as nonsensical. Whitmer defended the video, stating it was taken out of context and never intended to offend. A political aide later explained that the video was part of a viral TikTok trend where people feed each other, though this explanation did little to quell criticism.
Paul A. Long, president of the Michigan Catholic Conference, criticized the video for going beyond an internet trend, arguing that it imitated the sacred act of receiving the Eucharist, which Catholics believe is the true presence of Jesus Christ. He expressed disappointment, saying it reflected a broader pattern of elected officials mocking religious practices, and while the governor’s office had engaged in dialogue, the impact was still hurtful to many.
In response, Whitmer expressed regret for any offense caused, acknowledging the concerns of the Catholic community. She explained that the video was meant to highlight the importance of the CHIPS Act for Michigan jobs, not to insult anyone’s faith. Whitmer has faced criticism before for content seen as offensive to Catholics, including a tweet from January 2021 where she shared a prayer candle image featuring Stacey Abrams, sparking further controversy.