Governor Whitmer Apologizes After Viral Video Upsets Some Catholics

MICHIGAN, Oct. 14, 2024 ~ A social media video has landed Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in hot water with the Catholic Church and she’s had to issue an apology.

In the video, posted by TikTok content creator Liz Plank, Whitmer is shown feeding a Dorito to Plank, similar to how one would receive communion during Catholic Mass. The video caused condemnation from local Catholics, who said they felt the video disrespected their faith. The Michigan Catholic Conference released a statement that said: “People of this state and across the country have grown tired of and continue to express their alarm at the bar of civility and respect toward people of faith lowering by the day.”

Whitmer also released a statement: “Over 25 years in public service, I would never do something to denigrate someone’s faith. I’ve used my platform to stand up for people’s right to hold and practice their personal religious beliefs. What was supposed to be a video about the importance of the CHIPS Act to Michigan jobs, has been construed as something it was never intended to be, and I apologize for that.”