The CEO of the satire website “The Babylon Bee” responded to critics who were up in arms over a parody news article about Vivek Ramaswamy.
Seth Dillon took to social media to offer his thoughts on the conservative site’s recent post which ignited both laughs and outrage over a perceived racist joke at Ramaswamy’s expense.
“Some of our readers have expressed concern about this report, suggesting it did not meet the high journalistic standards they’ve come to expect from us,” Dillon wrote on X Wednesday.
“We want you to know that we’ve listened to you. We’ve heard your voices. And they are stupid,” he added.
Some of our readers have expressed concern about this report, suggesting it did not meet the high journalistic standards they’ve come to expect from us. We want you to know that we’ve listened to you. We’ve heard your voices. And they are stupid. https://t.co/7uJVsnUbYA
— Seth Dillon (@SethDillon) January 17, 2024
The article in question had followed Ramaswamy’s decision to end his presidential campaign this week and throw his support behind former President Donald Trump, the clear leader in the Republican primary race.
The article was titled, “Trump Promises Vivek An Administration Position Running The White House 7-Eleven,” and kidded that the young entrepreneur accepted Trump’s offer of an “olive branch” with the position.
“I’ve always said Vimbik Rumpsalami was a great man, one of the greatest men, to be honest… That’s why I’ve asked Rikki-Tikki-Tavi if he would accept the honor of running the White House 7-Eleven in the West Wing,” the parody article joked with a fake Trump quote.
The post publicizing the article has been viewed 10.5 million times and while many found the humor, the avalanche of reactions included many who were not amused.
Conservative cartoonist George Alexopoulos wrote “Yikes” while Blaze host Steve Deace said it was “one of the most brutal headlines these guys have ever done.”
“Never quite sure what’s worse about this right wing wannabe Onion site – that it’s just unfunny or that it’s openly bigoted,” wrote MSNBC host Mehdi Hasan.
“Racist yes but also I think outdated … isn’t a more contemporary stereotype of an Indian guy that he’d be a tech executive?” wondered Bloomberg columnist Matthew Yglesias.
This 7-11 would be the most efficiently ruined 7-11 in the country doing 200% revenue AFTER he fired 70% of the staff.
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) January 17, 2024
Damn
— Hodgetwins (@hodgetwins) January 17, 2024
Just reported this account to the FBI for hate crimes
— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) January 17, 2024
Low blow from Babylon Bee
— Sri Harsha (@X___PB) January 16, 2024
I like the Bee, but this was kind of in poor taste.
— Nick Dumitru (@nickdumitru) January 16, 2024
Not your best work.
— Michael Combs (@HEROnapkinROCK) January 16, 2024
Didn’t think conservatives would be butthurt over this. I’m sure Vivek would have a chuckle.
Come on! We aren’t the side that’s against comedy.
— Kat Kanada (@KatKanada_TM) January 17, 2024
In addition to Dillon’s response to the criticism, Babylon Bee editor-in-chief Kyle Mann wrote, “Too far, guys thank you come again” in an apparent reference to Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, the Indian Kwik-E-Mart owner from “The Simpsons.”
Too far, guys thank you come again
— Kyle Mann (@The_Kyle_Mann) January 16, 2024
And the reactions continued after Dillon’s retort.
This joke bombed. That’s all I’m saying
— Koka (@venkatesh_koka) January 17, 2024
Not really man, the headline just wasn’t/isn’t funny. It just seems like a low effort unfunny headline. That’s why people are actually complaining. Not actually for any race or woke reason. It’s just objectively not a banger.
— Autism Capital (@AutismCapital) January 17, 2024
… I don’t think Vivek cared nearly as much as some of the people being offended on his behalf ♂️
— Aaron M. Lorenzo (@StMosesPress) January 17, 2024
LOL, thank you! Satire is satire. Grow a pair people
— Alpha-Bravo (@aburk203) January 17, 2024
Writers and editors can be contacted at [email protected] with feedback, tips, or corrections.
Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida. Powers also contributes to BizPac Review.
- Fox News decision desk director: Blue tsunami predictions for November election might not make landfall - March 23, 2026
- Ruth’s Chris gets razzed by Chili’s in viral dress code feud - March 23, 2026
- Chicago residents unionize to fight possible displacement, rent hikes over Obama Presidential Center - March 23, 2026
Comment
We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. If a comment is spam, instead of replying to it please click the ∨ icon below and to the right of that comment. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.