THREAD: Here's Bubba Wallace's full CNN interview with Don Lemon.
In his first reaction to it not being a hate crime, Bubba immediately expresses anger at critics: "I'm pissed. I'm mad because people are trying to test my character and the person that I am and my integrity."
In his first reaction to it not being a hate crime, Bubba immediately expresses anger at critics: "I'm pissed. I'm mad because people are trying to test my character and the person that I am and my integrity."
Don Lemon jumps in, calling people asking questions "knuckleheads," adding: "Fair-minded people are not accusing you of doing anything wrong....I think in this environment and I have said it before, this hyper-charged environment that we should all cut each other some slack."
Lemon continued, making hateful generalizations about #NASCAR fans. He suggested it doesn't matter much: "Look at this as something that happens when you are evolving and changing...Let's not forget the people feel the way -- a certain kind of way about you and the flag."
Asked if he's seen ropes in the garage, Bubba says it was a noose and "it took time" to do: "From the evidence that we have, that I have, it's a straight up noose....I can confirm that. I actually got evidence of what was hanging in my garage over my car around my pit crew guys."
Don asks Bubba Wallace about him maintaining it was a noose and thus act of racism. Bubba's reply: "It was a noose. It was a noose. Whether tied in 2019 or whatever, it was a noose." They add Bubba has been subjected to a lot of "backlash" and so many "haters" for awhile now.
Bubba acknowledges the support from drivers in an emotional prerace he called "one of the coolest things that I've ever been able to be a part of."
When Don asked for his final thoughts, Bubba returned to how he's "pissed" at those upset with the situation and questioning him.
When Don asked for his final thoughts, Bubba returned to how he's "pissed" at those upset with the situation and questioning him.
