On Tuesday retail giant Walmart requested a refund on donations made to Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith’s campaign.
The request comes after a tweet was sent out by actress Debra Messing, best known for her role as Grace on the sitcom “Will and Grace,” regarding Hyde-Smith’s public hanging comments.
@slpng_giants After lynching comments, Walmart donates to Cindy Hyde-Smith https://t.co/911lfMf6po
— Debra Messing (@DebraMessing) November 19, 2018
Walmart responded to Messing’s tweet saying that Senator Hyde-Smith’s comments clearly do not reflect the values of their company or associates.
Hi Debra. Completely understand your concern. Sen. Hyde-Smith’s recent comments clearly do not reflect the values of our company and associates. As a result, we are withdrawing our support and requesting a refund of all campaign donations.
— Walmart (@Walmart) November 20, 2018
The company has most recently donated $2,000 to the Hyde-Smith campaign, and another $1,000 from June of this year. Messing went back on social media to thank Walmart for “doing the right thing.”
According to NBC News, Hyde-Smith’s campaign did not immediately respond. The only statement they have released on the matter is the original one from two weeks ago that denied any negative connotation to her remark.
Hyde-Smith faces Mike Espy in a runoff election on November 27 for the U.S. Senate seat once occupied by now retired Senator Thad Cochran. Hyde-Smith was appointed earlier this year by Gov. Bryant to fill the position.
Sarah Ulmer
