Nebraska journalist Yanqi Xu expresses shock and hurt after Governor Jim Pillen made derogatory comments about her nationality, referring to her as being from "communist China" in response to her reporting on high nitrate levels found on his hog farms. Xu, who moved to the US six years ago and holds a master's degree in journalism, feels hurt by the governor's remarks and calls for a meeting to discuss the issue. The Asian American Journalists Association stands with Xu and denounces statements that fuel xenophobia or prejudice. Xu encourages people to find common ground and get to know their neighbors, regardless of their background.
A reporter of Chinese descent, Yanqi Xu, has spoken out after Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen dismissed her article on his company, Pillen Family Farms, by stating that "the author is from Communist China." Xu, an immigrant from China who reports for Flatwater Free Press, called Pillen's comments biased and potentially fitting into a narrative of "othering people of Chinese descent." The Nebraska Journalism Trust, Xu's employer, published a column in her defense, expressing their support and condemning the governor's remarks. The Asian American Journalists Association also released a statement supporting Xu, emphasizing the importance of an independent and diverse press corps. Xu, who has received an outpouring of support, believes it is crucial to hold the governor accountable and highlight that one's country of origin does not define them.
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen is facing criticism for attacking journalist Yanqi Xu's Chinese nationality after she reported on his hog farms having nitrate levels far above the legal drinking water limit. Pillen admitted to not reading the report and attempted to discredit it by targeting Xu's origin. The comments were deemed offensive, and Pillen has not responded to requests for comment. Xu, who has lived in the US since 2017, was praised for her journalistic skills, and many have called for Pillen to apologize for his racist remarks.
