Reality television personality Jennifer Welch has ignited controversy with her statement that “white people test the racist water” during an appearance on CNN.

Welch, aged 52, joined a panel discussion on Newsnight with Abby Philip on Thursday, where they delved into Vice President JD Vance’s comments concerning a scandalous group chat linked to the Young Republican National Federation.

The chat, as uncovered by Politico, contained numerous racist and sexist remarks, including commendations of Adolf Hitler and a description of rape labeled as “epic.”

In response to these messages, Vance seemed to downplay them on Wednesday, remarking that “kids do stupid things” and engage in “edgy, offensive jokes.”

He further mentioned that he advises his children to be cautious about what they share online, warning them to assume “some scumbag is going to leak it in an effort to try to cause you harm or cause your family harm.”

Countering Vance’s remarks, Welch told CNN that her upbringing in a conservative state led her to believe that racist rhetoric is often normalized.

‘This is beyond locker room talk. I’m a white woman that has lived in a red state my entire life, and I can tell you when I’m around white people, they test the racist water,’ the interior designer and former Sweet Home Oklahoma host said.

Her comments were massively criticized online, including by Senator Ted Cruz who dismissed her as someone who ‘spends her time with Democrats.’ 

Reality TV star Jennifer Welch sparked fury on CNN Thursday night by suggesting that ‘white people test the racist water’

Welch (left) appeared on CNN’s Newsnight with Abby Philip Thursday night where a panel was discussing Vice President JD Vance’s response to an explosive group chat associated with the Young Republican National Federation organization

‘They test it on people like you all, all the time,’ Welch said of racist white people as she addressed the diverse panel around her.

‘They try to say off-color things. I put my hand up. It absolutely happens and you’re fortunate that maybe you haven’t experienced it -‘

‘I’m from a different generation,’ Kmele Foster interjected.

Ashley Allison replied: ‘Can I just say, literally this August a white person said the n word – in front of me.’ 

‘The vice president of the United States. This is a horrible,’ Welch said.

‘These were not kids. These were grown men,’ Allison added. ‘If they committed a crime, they would be prosecuted as adult.’

Welch added that some of the alleged racist comments were made by women.

She also slammed Vance, whom she pointed out ‘has mixed race children,’ for not calling out ‘this horrible racism.’

Welch’s remarks were heavily criticized by social media users, some of whom branded her a ‘liar’ while others argued the comments actually ‘revealed she is a racist.’ 

‘Jennifer definitely exposed herself for being a racist last night,’ one X user wrote. 

‘So all the white people she hangs out with are racist? I’m not surprised,’ said another, while one added: ‘I think she’s referring to the voices in her head.’ 

Her comments were massively criticized online, including by Senator Ted Cruz who dismissed Welch as someone who ‘spends her time with Democrats’

‘Just because you hang with racists does not actually mean we are racists,’ another added. 

Others blasted CNN for even allowing Welch’s commentary to air.

‘To allow this type of racism to go out over the public airways is appalling. Revoke CNN’s license,’ one tweeted. 

‘Can we, the white people in red states, sue CNN for discrimination?’ one furious social media user wrote.

‘Bet she’ll end up as a new The View host. She’ll fit right in,’ echoed another. 

Some users rushed to Welch’s defense, saying they too have experienced the narrative she described.

‘I can co-sign what she is saying. I look like a friendly to the racists. They accidentally say things in front of me all the time,’ one X user wrote. ‘You Trump white nationalists can try and say racism doesn’t exist, but some of us white people know the truth.’

Another added: ‘Growing up in Alabama, I can attest to what she’s saying.’