Britt McHenry Reportedly Resigns From State Department After NBA Game Incident
The former ESPN host's departure follows a public altercation with fans at a Washington Wizards game.
Britt McHenry, a former ESPN host who recently joined the U.S. State Department as a press adviser, has reportedly resigned from her position following a public confrontation with spectators at a Washington Wizards game earlier this week. The New York Post first reported the departure, describing it as a forced resignation. The White House referred inquiries to the State Department, which has not yet released a comment.
According to reports, McHenry, 40, was tasked with handling press matters related to corruption allegations that led to Kimberly Guilfoyle's resignation as U.S. Ambassador to Greece. She also advised on media concerning Europe and Africa.
The incident occurred during the Washington Wizards' season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks. Video obtained by TMZ shows McHenry standing and throwing a drink at a fan seated next to her before leaving her seat. As she exited the arena, other fans reportedly threw objects in her direction.
Sources close to McHenry claim that she intervened after fans behind her made disparaging remarks about Kyle Kuzma, a player for the Milwaukee Bucks, and his fiancée, Winnie Harlow, who has vitiligo. One source stated that the fans were making offensive comments about Harlow's appearance, and when McHenry asked them to stop, their attention turned to her. The same source alleged that the fan then directed misogynistic insults at McHenry and threw their drink at her, prompting her to retaliate.
Despite objects being thrown at her, McHenry appeared to blow kisses to the crowd and wave as she left. Reports indicate she then had a heated exchange with a staffer directing her to leave the arena.
McHenry joined the State Department over a month ago, announcing her appointment as a press advisor on social media. She expressed her honor in serving the country's highest diplomatic institution and working with dedicated individuals. In a LinkedIn post, she stated her excitement for the new chapter, applying her 17 years of news coverage experience to her diplomatic role.
This marks another chapter in McHenry's career, which has previously included controversies. She worked as a Washington D.C.-based reporter for ESPN for three years before being laid off in 2017. In 2015, she was suspended from ESPN after footage surfaced of her berating a towing company clerk, for which she later apologized, stating she had allowed her emotions to control her actions.