Democratic congressional candidate Aftyn Behn defended her past controversial remarks during an appearance on CNN’s “Inside Politics Sunday.” When questioned about her previous comments, which some have deemed alienating, Behn emphasized that she was a “private citizen” at the time of her statements.
In 2020, Behn made headlines for her negative remarks about Nashville on the podcast “Year old GRITS.” She expressed disdain for various aspects of the city, including its nightlife and music scene. During her interview on CNN, host Manu Raju brought up her past tweets, including one that stated, “good morning, especially to the 54% of Americans that believe burning down a police station is justified,” which she later deleted. Raju pressed her on whether she regretted those comments.
Behn responded, saying, “Yeah, I said that during the George Floyd moment when the entire country was demanding accountability and safer policing.” She clarified that she believes in the need for investment in communities, such as mental health resources and youth programs, to enhance safety. “I was a private citizen back then, and now I’m a lawmaker,” she asserted.
As the conversation continued, Raju inquired about Behn’s earlier remarks regarding Nashville, where she had said, “I hate the city, I hate the bachelorettes, I hate the pedal taverns, I hate country music.” Behn reiterated her feelings but framed them within the context of broader issues. “Yeah, every Nashvillian does,” she said, referring to the disruption caused by tourism in the city. She maintained that her campaign is focused on the pressing concerns of families in Middle Tennessee affected by rising costs.
In a separate statement from 2019, Behn characterized Tennessee as a “racist state” in an op-ed for the Tennessean. She wrote, “Let me be clear: Tennessee is a racist state. Racism is in the air we breathe, permeating the State Capitol, codified in the legislation being passed at the detriment of women, communities of color, and the working poor.”
Behn is currently campaigning to represent Tennessee’s 7th district, which will hold a special election on July 4, 2025, following the resignation of Republican Mark Green. As she navigates her candidacy, her past comments and their implications will undoubtedly continue to be scrutinized by voters and the media alike.
