Dem Governor Kathy Hochul is forced to apologize after claiming 'Black kids in the Bronx' don't know the word 'computer'

Governor Kathy Hochul was forced to apologize after making a controversial claim that 'young Black kids growing up in the Bronx who don't even know what the word "computer" is'.

The New York Democrat claims she 'misspoke' when she issued the highly criticized remark at an on-stage forum in California on Monday and, in a statement later that evening, said: 'I regret it.'

She attempted to clarify the intent of her remark, alleging she was trying to highlight her focus on increasing economic opportunity for children in the Bronx, which has the highest rate of poverty in New York City.

'Of course Black children in the Bronx know what computers are,' Hochul's statement said. 'The problem is that they too often lack access to the technology needed to get on track to high-paying jobs in emerging industries like AI.' 

But despite her lackluster apology, residents and lawmakers alike have hit back, claiming the Governor is 'disconnected from reality', needs to 'do better' and 'should resign in disgrace'.

Governor Kathy Hochul was forced to apologize after making a controversial claim at the Milken Institute Global Conference on Monday. Hochul (pictured at the event) said that 'young Black kids growing up in the Bronx who don't even know what the word 'computer' is'

Hochul was given the opportunity to highlight her new $400million AI initiative on Monday at the Milken Institute Global Conference, an annual meeting of billionaires and business leaders.

She was trying to express her desire to make technology more accessible, especially in low-income communities, but instead made a shocking gaffe which some have since branded as 'racist', as well as 'inartful and hurtful'.

'Right now we have, you know, young black kids growing up in the Bronx who don't even know what the word "computer" is,' she told the conference. 

'They don't know, they don't know these things. And I want the world opened up to all of them.' 

The Governor later claimed she 'misspoke' and in a statement to the New York Post double-downed on the alleged inequity in the tech industry. 

She said: 'That's why I've been focused on increasing economic opportunity since Day One of my Administration.'

However, Hochul's so-called apology has not calmed the wave of criticisms from lawmakers and citizens alike. 

Assemblywoman Karines Reyes, a Bronx Democrat, said she was 'deeply disturbed' by the Governor's remarks and the 'underlying perception' that she has of minority children living in the borough.

'Our children are bright, brilliant, extremely capable, and more than deserving of any opportunities that are extended to other kids,' Reyes tweeted. 'Do better.'

Despite the Governor issuing a lackluster apology, lawmakers in the Bronx have hit back, claiming they are 'deeply disturbed' by Hochul's comments

Assemblyman John Zaccaro, also a Bronx Democrat, issued a statement saying: 'Our children, far from being underestimated, are the epitome of brilliance, resilience, and untapped potential.

'They are not only capable but deserving of every opportunity that their counterparts are offered. It's disheartening to witness such a portrayal that undermines their abilities and aspirations.' 

Democratic Assemblywoman Amanda Septimo went on to invite Hochul to visit the borough and 'experience firsthand the intelligence, resilience, and joy that radiate from Bronx children and residents each day'.

Social media users have also slammed Hochul, with several claiming she was 'out of touch' with reality and one even branding her a 'delusional sociopath'.

'Detached from reality is an understatement,' penned X user Richard Pierce. 'Says a lot about the Governor from New York.'

'These Democrat politicians are so disconnected from reality, so caught up in pandering, that they fail to realize how patronizing they come across to their target audience,' echoed Marc.

Social media users have also slammed Hochul, with several claiming she was 'out of touch' with reality and one even branding her a 'delusional sociopath'

Bob Kain added: 'This is about as racist as it gets...not to mention one helluva indictment on NYC public schools.'

One X user highlighted Hochul's alleged 'soft bigotry' and another added that she 'should resign in disgrace'.

While also criticizing her choice of words, one Bronx politician did come to Hochul's defense. 

'While the Governor’s words were inartful and hurtful, I don’t believe that is where her heart is. I firmly believe she wants to see all of our students excel,' said Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, the Post reported.

'Working with Governor Hochul, I hope we can redouble our efforts to bring greater access to technology to our kids in the Bronx. All our students deserve an equal chance to grow and thrive.' 

DailyMail.com has approached Hochul's office for comment.