He refers to himself as a “dangerous faggot” and is outspoken about his homosexuality, but the adjectives used to describe Milo Yiannopoulos by ABC’s Good Morning America riot coverage included “right-wing, internet troll” and “avid supporter of President Trump.” Never mentioning his sexual orientation.
Host George Stephanopoulos introduced the segment on the University of California – Berkeley riots, describing Yiannopoulos as a “controversial editor from Breitbart.”
Reporter Kayna Whitworth’s story followed, it’s transcribed below:
Whitworth: “George, good morning. It was a terrifying night. Campus police issuing a shelter in place order after college Republicans invited Milo Yiannopoulos to speak. Now, behind me this is a police generator that was knocked over and set on fire when these protests turned into a riot.
Overnight, mayhem on campus. The University of California-Berkeley erupting in flames as over a thousand came out to protest an appearance by the self-described right wing internet troll Milo Yiannopoulos.”
Rioter: “We will not tolerate racism or sexism or hate crimes and violence. He is a fascist and Berkeley did not welcome him.”
Whitworth: “At least six people were injured including this Trump supporter who was pepper sprayed. The university canceling the speech. Riot police even retreating to the building for safety. You can hear them urging the crowds to leave.
Rioter: “I think we have a right to say that we don't want him here. And – “
Whitworth: “The standoff intensifying as protesters lit fireworks. Police firing back.”
Witness: “It's going too far right now. This is uncalled for. This is not going to get no message around. “
Whitworth: “Yiannopoulos, an editor for Breitbart news and avid supporter of President Trump responding on Facebook posting this video.”
Yiannopoulos: “They're so threatened by the idea a conservative speaker might be persuasive and interesting and funny. And might persuade –might take some people with him. They just have to shut it down at all costs. “
Whitworth: “And President Trump taking to Twitter this morning, asking the question ‘no federal funds? If UC Berkeley does not allow free speech."