Breitbart has come under criticism for its repeated — and favorable — coverage of Paul Nehlen, a congressional candidate who has openly embraced white nationalism for more than a year. In response, the site’s leadership claimed that it “cut all ties” to Nehlen and hasn’t given him any coverage in “months.”
This turns out to be false. ThinkProgress learned that Nehlen was a guest of a Breitbart radio show, “Whatever It Takes with Curt Schilling,” on December 18 — even though Breitbart quietly removed the segment from its SoundCloud page.
On December 18, Breitbart’s Schilling repeatedly endorsed Nehlen. “I’m a fan…I want you to tell people how they can help you out,” Schilling said during the interview.
Since that time Nehlen has gone even further, tweeting a variety of white nationalist and anti-Semitic messages. On the social network Gab, Nehlen retweeted a defense of his conduct from Christopher Cantwell, an anti-Semitic white supremacist who helped organize the Charlottesville white power rally.
On Friday, Brietbart’s Schilling invited Nehlen back on his radio show next Wednesday.
@pnehlen let's have you on the show Wednesday, some things I think people want to hear and some questions I think you need to answer.
— Curt Schilling (@gehrig38) December 29, 2017
Nehlen happily agreed.
Sounds great, Curt. Looking forward to it. https://t.co/PIrUed4sAR
— Paul Nehlen (@pnehlen) December 29, 2017
The people criticizing Nehlen, Schilling suggests, are just projecting.
But what you read on his timeline and what you think it means, could it be mistaken? Or no, you're all perfect at reading people to be exactly the thing you are? Intolerant, hateful, violent and angry?
— Curt Schilling (@gehrig38) December 29, 2017
Schilling said that much of the criticism of Nehlen could be “bullshit.”
See this is why you're an idiot, and I'm not. You read and determine because people who've lied to you, you believe. I'll ask him directly, every single question I can, and listeners can come up with to determine what is true/bullshit
— Curt Schilling (@gehrig38) December 29, 2017
In response to criticisms of his decision to invite Nehlen back on the program, Schilling defended Identity Europa, a white supremicist group.
Right! How dare those racists bastards hand out food and money to help the homeless!!!! And how dare anyone publicly recognize that bastardly deed!
— Curt Schilling (@gehrig38) December 29, 2017
Schilling later suggested he was unfamiliar with Identity Europa, but would study up on it and other issues before speaking with Nehlen next Wednesday.
In addition to Schilling’s show, Nehlen also appeared this month on “Fash The Nation,” a white supremacist podcast. Nehlen’s first appearance on “Fash The Nation” was in December 2016.
UPDATE (12/30): After initially calling this reporter an “idiot” for critically reporting his decision to book Nehlen, Schilling announced he was canceling the interview.
@pnehlen Spent better part of last night/today catching up on your post-interview antics. Can't give a platform to a man that is A) So ignorant as to be in need of help and/or B) A fascist making no attempt to cover up his beliefs. No positive benefit to giving you air time
— Curt Schilling (@gehrig38) December 30, 2017