Unaware that Gus Walz, the 17-year-old son of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has a neurodivergent disability, 1130 WISN, Milwaukee host Jay Weber really stepped in it with a harsh post on X that he subsequently was compelled to apologetically remove – but not until after the damage was already done. Here’s what happened: The youngest child of the Democratic nominee for VP couldn’t contain his pride during his Dad’s acceptance speech at the DNC.
At one point during the speech, after Tim Walz spoke directly to his family, Gus jumped up from his seat and could be seen tearfully saying: “That’s my dad! That’s my dad!” Many viewers were moved by Gus Walz’s emotional reaction to his father’s speech but not the conservative host whose response posted on X was widely condemned as offensive. According to a story by reporter Mary Spicuzza published in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Weber posted, “Sorry, but this is embarrassing for both father and son. If the Walzs represent today’s American man, this country is screwed; ‘Meet my son, Gus. He’s a blubbering bitch boy. His mother and I are very proud.'” Weber deleted his post after facing online criticism. “I didn’t realize the kid was disabled, and have taken the post down,” Weber wrote. But the tweet was screenshotted and shared by Milwaukee County Board Supervisor Shawn Rolland and others to hold Weber accountable. Gus Walz, 17, has ADHD, an anxiety disorder, and a non-verbal learning disorder. Weber acknowledged regretting his action and concurred with his critics. “I agree. In an X fever, I broke one of my own long-standing rules when I saw the video,” Weber wrote. “I’ve said ‘the kids are off limits for decades,’ then fell into it myself. No excuses. Good reminder.” Kudos to Weber for quickly acknowledging his error.
To read the full Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article, please click here.