Ziwe Asks George Santos If He Likes Orange — and Whether He Can Define 'Empathy' — in Unhinged Interview
The comedian and recently expelled congressman sat down to discuss a wide range of topics, including Santos' criminal allegations, ideal "Drag Race" lip sync song and thoughts on becoming a parent
Ziwe/YouTube
Ziwe's highly anticipated sit-down interview with former Congressman George Santos was released on Monday, providing viewers with 18 entertaining minutes of unfiltered questions, roundabout answers and awkward stares.
While the comedian is known for her confrontational, no-holds-barred interviews with "iconic guests," it became clear throughout her conversation with Santos that one topic was (mostly) off-limits: the federal criminal case against him, which contributed to his recent expulsion from the House of Representatives.
"What excites you most about going to prison?" Ziwe asked him at one point in their chat. "That's a below the belt," the Republican politician said, implying that they had agreed not to go there. Unfazed, Ziwe continued, "Do you like the color orange?"
At other points in the interview, Ziwe referenced Santos' allegations in sillier ways, like making him say the word "icon" on repeat, then responding: "You con!" At the end of the interview, she pulled out a Hermès Birkin bag full of cash and made him hold it (days before his expulsion, the House Ethics Committee accused Santos of stealing campaign donors' funds and, in one instance, using them to make a purchase at Hermès); he laughed and played along with her prop, saying, "Just be nice."
Of course, allegations against Santos were bound to come up in some form. Ziwe approached the congressman about sitting for an interview on X in the days immediately following his historic ousting, when Santos himself was making light of the fraud allegations that turned members of his own party against him.
In their full conversation, now on YouTube, Ziwe grills Santos about LGBTQ icons, Drag Race, cosmetic procedures and his ideal child. She also asks him to define "empathy," which he says he cannot.
Santos has been living for the spotlight since he was voted out of his role, and while — as Ziwe put it — he's viewed by some as a "national joke," he's attracted followers for his out-of-pocket comments and penchant for creating drama.
On his now-popular Cameo page, he describes himself as a "Former congressional 'Icon'! 💅🏼" and "The Expelled member of Congress from New York City." There, for a hefty price, users can order a custom video in which Santos offers a birthday or holiday greeting, with other options for him to spread gossip or roast the beneficiary.
In one Cameo, Santos offers a family holiday wishes and says, "Please spend some money on yourself on gifts this year. It could be anything, from Botox to luxury goods of any kind, like a trip to Hermès, makeup from Sephora or a subscription to OnlyFans." He ends the video by blowing a kiss to the camera.
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