Michigan Catholic bishops condemn Whitmer’s Doritos video stunt as offensive

Catholic officials in the state of Michigan, including the seven diocesan bishops, condemned Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, D-Minn.’s, recent viral video, which many people viewed as a mockery of Holy Communion.

The clip, posted Thursday to feminist author and filmmaker Liz Plank’s Instagram page, shows Whitmer wearing a Harris Walz hat and putting a Doritos chip in Plank’s mouth as the media figure kneels on the floor.

“It’s not just tasteless or ‘weird’; “It is an all-too-familiar example of an elected official mocking religious figures and their practices,” Paul A. Long, president and CEO of the Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC), said in a statement echoing the views of Catholic leaders represented the state.

The governor of Michigan feeds DORITOS to kneeling female podcast host while she wears a HARRIS WALZ hat

Whitmer and Plank’s viral social media clip was intended to promote Vice President Kamala Harris’ policies ahead of the presidential election. It came from Whitmer’s appearance on Plank’s “Chip Chat” podcast, which was posted on YouTube on Thursday.

The caption for Plank’s video read: “If he doesn’t do it, Gretchen Whitmer will.” Not only are chips delicious, the CHIPS Act fundamentally changes technology and manufacturing in the U.S. and increases domestic production of semiconductors to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.” ! Donald Trump would jeopardize that.”

In its statement, the Catholic Conference criticized the trick. “A video featuring Gov. Gretchen Whitmer posted yesterday on the social media platform Instagram prompted the state’s Catholic Bishops’ Conference to express its deep disappointment and offense at the actions depicted in the video.”

It continued: “In the skit, Whitmer places a Dorito chip on the outstretched tongue of a woman who kneels as the camera pans in the same way one would when receiving Communion on the tongue. The governor then stares blankly into the camera.”

Additionally, conservatives on social media accused the governor and media figure of mocking the Christian sacrament.

Former Trump adviser Tim Murtaugh, for example, posted: “Let’s be clear about what’s happening in this video. Michigan Gov. Whitmer pretends to give communion to a left-wing podcaster on her knees using a Dorito as a Eucharist while wearing Harris gear. Walz has. Do they want ZERO Catholic votes for Harris?”

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When reached for comment, a political adviser to Whitmer previously told Fox News Digital, “The governor’s social media is known for infusing her communications with pop culture.”

“This popular trend has been used by countless people, including Billie Eilish, Kylie Jenner and Stephen Colbert, and the fact that people are paying attention to a video promoting President Biden’s CHIPS Act proves it’s working,” said she.

MCC President Long emphasized that Whitmer’s video “goes beyond the viral online trend that inspired it and, in particular, mimics the posture and gestures of Catholics as they receive the Holy Eucharist, in which we believe that Jesus Christ is truly present.” “

He added that even though the governor denied it was her intention to offend Christians, “it had an offensive effect.”

The MCC statement continued, noting that the video reflected a broader decline in respect for religion. “People in this state and across the country are fed up and continue to express concern that the bar for civility and respect for people of faith is lowering by the day. “Michigan is a religiously diverse state and includes thriving communities of Christians, Jews, and Muslim believers.”

“It is now time for those in public office, their superiors and strategists to return a measure of respect, courtesy and appreciation for those who have found peace and fulfillment in life through the worship of God and service to others.” it says in conclusion.

The governor’s office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s recent request for comment on the MCC’s statement.

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