McAfee Offers First Comments on Utah Controversy and Criticism After Backlash
A response outside his show
McAfee’s comments about a video made by University of Utah students drew criticism after he compared his discomfort to the experience of assassinated political activist Charlie Kirk. The university apologized for the video, and ESPN defended McAfee.
Rather than address the dispute on his show, McAfee shared his perspective in a lengthy social media post. He said he had avoided his mentions and direct messages, but believed death wishes and threats against him remained online.
Security concerns in Tennessee
McAfee described preparations before College GameDay in Tennessee the year before, saying security officials feared a possible copycat attack after Kirk’s assassination. He said the event brought together the FBI, Disney security, Tennessee State Police, Knoxville police and university police.
He said FBI snipers were present and that a bulletproof vest was suggested by one of the security groups. McAfee disputed reports that the FBI itself made the recommendation, while describing the situation as unfamiliar and unsettling.
How he sees the backlash
McAfee said the threats directed at his wife and children, along with the security measures, had left him rattled. He also expressed gratitude to those around him and to students who came out to support him in Tennessee.
He attributed a turning point in criticism to coverage of his remarks about an Algerian Olympic gold medal boxer. McAfee said influential platforms quoted and captioned him without including what he described as the conversation’s substantial empathy, leading to immediate targeting.
Key points
- McAfee responded to the Utah controversy in a lengthy social media post.
- He said a security group, not necessarily the FBI, suggested a bulletproof vest.
- He described extensive security preparations before College GameDay in Tennessee.
- McAfee said coverage of his boxer comments intensified criticism of him.