Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Jesse Jackson

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Jesse Jackson.

Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. is a prominent American figure known for his work as a civil rights activist, politician, and Baptist minister. As a protégé of Martin Luther King Jr., he rose to become a leading voice in the civil rights movement and a strong advocate for LGBTQ rights. He served as a shadow U.S. Senator for the District of Columbia from 1991 to 1997. Jackson's career is marked by his commitment to social justice and equality, making him a significant figure in American history.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

April 4, 1968: King's Assassination

On April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Jesse Jackson was present and claimed to be the last person to speak to King, though this account was disputed.

December 1971: Falling Out with Abernathy

In December 1971, Jesse Jackson and Ralph Abernathy had a falling out, leading to Jackson's suspension from Operation Breadbasket and his subsequent resignation from the SCLC.

1973: Jackson's Position on Abortion

In 1973, less than a month after Roe v. Wade, Jesse Jackson began a PUSH campaign against the decision, calling abortion murder. Jackson's rhetoric alienated one of his major supporters, T. R. M. Howard.

1975: Endorsement of Constitutional Amendment Banning Abortion

In 1975, Jesse Jackson endorsed a plan for a constitutional amendment banning abortion.

1977: Jackson on Roe v. Wade

In 1977, Jesse Jackson argued in a National Right to Life Committee News report that the basis for Roe v. Wade had also been used to justify slavery. He decried the casual taking of life and the decline in society's values.

1978: Meeting with James Earl Ray

In 1978, Jesse Jackson met with James Earl Ray, the convicted assassin of Martin Luther King Jr., and expressed his belief that Ray was involved but did not act alone.

1983: Boycott of Anheuser-Busch

In 1983, Jesse Jackson and Operation PUSH led a boycott of beer giant Anheuser-Busch over minority employment in its distribution network.

1984: Controversy over remarks about Jewish community

In 1984, Jesse Jackson faced criticism after making disparaging remarks about the Jewish community.

1988: Jackson's Changed Stance on Abortion

In 1988, Jesse Jackson changed his views on abortion, supporting federal funding for abortion and arguing for freedom of choice.

1989: Paper Endorsing Spanking

In 1989, a paper was published that endorsed spanking to the point of bruises and welts and opposed married women having careers. Jesse Jackson criticized Jeb Bush's nomination of Jerry Regier for his affiliation with this paper.

September 1996: Visit to Tupac Shakur in the hospital

In September 1996, Jesse Jackson visited rapper Tupac Shakur in the hospital after he was wounded in a drive-by shooting. Jackson commented on the violent culture and survival of the fittest mentality. SFGATE criticized his remarks.

1998: Response to Clinton's impeachment

In 1998, during Clinton's impeachment inquiry, Jesse Jackson opposed Clinton's removal from office, stating that "the punishment of impeachment does not correspond to the nature of Mr. Clinton's lack of candor." He led a prayer vigil outside the U.S. Capitol to protest the impeachment.

November 18, 1999: Advocated for students expelled in Decatur, Illinois

On November 18, 1999, after seven Decatur, Illinois high school students were expelled for participating in a brawl, Jesse Jackson argued that the expulsions were racially biased and called on the school board to reverse its decision.

March 2000: Criticized Giuliani's handling of Dorismond shooting

In March 2000, Jesse Jackson criticized Rudy Giuliani's handling of the Patrick Dorismond shooting, stating there was "something that is not well about his response to unarmed people being shot by police."

2000: The 2000 Recount

During the 2000 recount Jackson clashed with the Governor of Florida Jeb Bush.

2000: Campaign violation

In 2000, Jackson and the Democratic National Committee violated electoral law.

January 2001: Affair Revealed

In January 2001, it was revealed that Jesse Jackson had an affair with a staffer, Karin Stanford, which resulted in the birth of a daughter in May 1999. Jackson withdrew from activism for a short period due to this.

2002: Criticized Jeb Bush's nominee for the Department of Children and Families

In 2002, Jesse Jackson criticized Jeb Bush's nomination of Jerry Regier for the Department of Children and Families, referencing a 1989 paper endorsing spanking and opposing married women having careers.

September 1, 2003: Arrested at Yale University protest

On September 1, 2003, Jesse Jackson was arrested for blocking traffic at Yale University while protesting in solidarity with striking workers.

June 2004: Rebuked Jeb Bush for felon voting roll purge

In June 2004, Jesse Jackson rebuked Jeb Bush for requesting counties to purge felons from voting rolls, calling it a tactic to deny voting rights based on race and class. Bush responded that Jackson was "past his prime."

2005: FEC Ruling and Fine

In 2005, the Federal Election Commission ruled that Jesse Jackson and the Democratic National Committee had violated electoral law in 2000 and fined them $200,000.

March 2006: Duke Lacrosse Case

In March 2006, Jesse Jackson stated that his Rainbow/PUSH Coalition would pay for the college tuition of the African-American woman who accused three white members of the Duke University men's lacrosse team of raping her.

November 2006: Role in Michael Richards's scandal

In November 2006, Jesse Jackson took a key role in the scandal caused by Michael Richards's racist tirade. Jackson accepted Richards' apology and called for the elimination of the "N-word" in the entertainment industry.

June 23, 2007: Arrested at gun store protest in Riverdale

On June 23, 2007, Jesse Jackson was arrested for criminal trespassing during a protest at a gun store in Riverdale, Chicago, due to allegations of selling firearms to gang members.

July 6, 2008: Controversial comments about Obama

On July 6, 2008, Jesse Jackson was caught on microphone making controversial comments about Barack Obama's remarks to black people, later apologizing and reiterating his support.

November 2009: Comments on Obama's health care reform proposal

In November 2009, Jesse Jackson commented on Obama's health care reform proposal, suggesting that black individuals voting against it could not call themselves black.

August 2010: "Jobs, Justice and Peace" march in Detroit

In August 2010, Jesse Jackson participated in the "Jobs, Justice and Peace" march in Detroit, advocating for a focused urban policy. The event was criticized as a campaign rally for the Democratic Party.

2010: Alabama gubernatorial election

In 2010, Jackson's criticism could benefit Davis, who was then a candidate in the 2010 Alabama gubernatorial election and positioning himself as a moderate Democrat. Davis lost the Democratic primary to Ron Sparks.

2011: Antipathy for black leaders

In 2011, Wayne Barrett wrote that Obama's embrace of Sharpton had "as much to do with the president's antipathy for three other black leaders—Jesse Jackson, Dr. Cornel West and Tavis Smiley—as it does with any genuine White House enthusiasm for the controversial New York preacher."

February 2012: Demanded Arrest in Trayvon Martin Case

After the shooting of Trayvon Martin in February 2012, Jesse Jackson joined Martin's parents in demanding the arrest of George Zimmerman and called for repealing stand-your-ground laws.

2016: Endorsement and commentary on the Presidential election

In 2016, Jesse Jackson initially declined to endorse either Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders but later endorsed Clinton after she secured the nomination. He commented on Donald Trump's video regarding police killings, acknowledging its "significant remarks" but criticizing Trump's past actions. After Trump's election victory, Jackson urged him to unite the country.

January 2018: Sermon in Fort Washington, Maryland

In January 2018, Jesse Jackson delivered a sermon in Fort Washington, Maryland, where he criticized Donald Trump for being misleading and out of touch with the struggles of ordinary people due to his inherited wealth and privilege.

February 2019: Reaction to Jussie Smollett assault report

In February 2019, following the report of an assault on Jussie Smollett, Jesse Jackson initially described the attack as a "barbaric lynching" and criticized Trump for emboldening bigots. Later, after Smollett was charged with falsifying the attack, Jackson requested leniency for Smollett.

2019: Comments on Ilhan Omar and Venezuelan Embassy Visit

In 2019, Jesse Jackson warned that Trump's false claims against Ilhan Omar could incite violence. Jackson also requested Trump to pardon Rod Blagojevich. Additionally, Jackson delivered food to activists occupying the Venezuelan embassy in Washington, D.C. during the Venezuelan presidential crisis.

June 2022: Overruling of Roe v. Wade

In June 2022, the Supreme Court overruled Roe v. Wade in Dobbs v. Jackson.

May 2024: Comments on the Gaza War

In May 2024, Jesse Jackson wrote in The Chicago Maroon about the Gaza war, condemning the October 7 attacks, but describing Israel's actions as a "massacre" of Palestinian civilians. He also supported pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses.