Seconds after Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) complained about sexism on Thursday, Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) jumped in to interrupt her opening statement.
The incident came during a hearing to consider testimony by Christine Blasey Ford, who has said Supreme Court Justice nominee Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her in 1982.
Feinstein, who is the ranking Democrat on the judiciary committee, began by explaining why she initially kept a letter from Ford detailing her allegations against Kavanaugh confidential at Ford’s request.
“I held it confidential up to a point where the witness was willing to come forward,” Feinstein said. “I think, as I make my remarks, perhaps you’ll see why — because how women are treated in the United States, with this kind of concern, is really wanting a lot of reform. And I’ll get to that in a minute.”
Feinstein went on to thank Ford for testifying and note that Grassley had neglected to introduce her in his opening remarks. That’s when the senator from Iowa jumped in.
“By the way, I was going to introduce her but if you want to introduce her,” Grassley interrupted, before leaning back in his chair. “I’ll be glad to have you do that. I want you to know I didn’t forget to do it, because I would do that just as she was about to speak.”
“Thank you,” Feinstein replied before moving on with her own remarks.
The move drew swift criticism online, with many calling out Grassley for what they saw as an all-too-common way men dismiss women in public:
Me looking at Grassley interrupt @SenFeinstein . It's going to be a hell of a hearing. #StopKavanaugh pic.twitter.com/1RTTP9HUzZ
— Afr-I-Can (@AfuaAttaMensah) September 27, 2018
I love that as #Feinstein talks about how men treat women #Grassley takes that moment to interrupt to make sure he is right#pointproven #manhandling #gross #pullingmyhairout #FordHearing #NoToKavanaugh
— Marium F. Mohiuddin (@pracca) September 27, 2018
Did Grassley really just interrupt Feinstein for something petty? Wtf
— AAA (@t4mmy) September 27, 2018