WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING? Karoline Leavitt Publicly Refuses to Present Award to Controversial Media Figure: “She Doesn’t Deserve It” – “I Stand by My Values”
In a moment that stunned attendees and has since gone viral, Karoline Leavitt—former White House Assistant Press Secretary and rising conservative media personality—abruptly refused to present a media award to a prominent but controversial figure during a live televised event, sparking outrage, applause, and an explosion of opinions across the political spectrum.
The incident unfolded at the 2025 American Media Excellence Gala (AMEG) in Washington, D.C., a star-studded evening typically reserved for glamorous speeches and polished appearances. But when Karoline Leavitt stepped onto the stage to announce the winner of the “Impact in Journalism” award, she broke from the script in a way no one expected.
“She Doesn’t Deserve It”
Leavitt opened her envelope, paused, and looked at the teleprompter. What happened next left the room frozen.
“I will not be presenting this award tonight,” she said, her voice steady but firm.
“This person has consistently misled the American public, distorted facts, and chosen ideology over truth. I will not stand up here and endorse that. She doesn’t deserve it.”
Without naming the recipient directly, Leavitt closed the envelope, stepped away from the podium, and exited the stage.
Moments later, confused hosts attempted to regain control of the program, eventually announcing that the award would be accepted on the winner’s behalf by a producer. But the damage—or as some say, the statement—was already made.
Who Was the Intended Recipient?
While organizers did not officially confirm the recipient during the live event, multiple sources close to the production have reported that the planned awardee was Maya Caldwell, a high-profile liberal commentator known for her provocative takes on cable news and social platforms.
Caldwell has frequently come under fire from conservative circles for her opinions on gun reform, gender identity in schools, and her vocal criticism of certain Republican lawmakers. But she also enjoys a large following and has been credited by her supporters with “pushing boundaries” and “amplifying marginalized voices.”
Her team issued a short statement hours after the event:
“We are disappointed by the display of political posturing that overshadowed a night meant to celebrate journalistic achievement. Maya will continue doing the work that matters, regardless of who hands her an award.”
Leavitt Stands Firm
If Leavitt was concerned about backlash, she didn’t show it. Hours after walking offstage, she took to X (formerly Twitter) to explain her decision further:
“Integrity matters. I refuse to glorify people who use media platforms to divide and manipulate. I stand by my values—even when it’s uncomfortable.”
In a follow-up interview with conservative talk show host Mark Ramsey, Leavitt doubled down:
“It wasn’t about creating a scene. It was about not becoming complicit in rewarding someone who fundamentally misleads the public.”
Reactions: Applause, Outrage, and Everything In Between
As news of the moment spread, social media became a battleground.
Supporters called Leavitt a hero:
“Finally, someone with a backbone in media,” wrote one user.
“She just earned my respect ten times over,” said another.
Others were less kind:
“Karoline Leavitt is exactly what’s wrong with American discourse,” tweeted progressive columnist Tasha Reyes.
“Petty. Performative. Pointless.”
Media personalities from both sides weighed in. Fox News host Jesse Watters applauded Leavitt’s “moral courage,” while CNN’s Don Lemon called the move “a dangerous escalation of tribalism in media.”
Even some conservatives expressed discomfort with the public nature of the protest.
“It’s one thing to disagree with someone’s reporting,” said a political analyst on Newsmax. “It’s another to hijack an awards show to do it.”
A Bigger Conversation About Media Responsibility?
Behind the drama lies a deeper debate: What does it mean to honor journalism today?
The AMEG awards have long been criticized for being more political than principled, with accusations of favoritism and ideological slant. Leavitt’s stand—whether you agree with it or not—has now forced that issue back into the spotlight.
Is it appropriate to refuse to acknowledge journalists you fundamentally oppose? Or should awards reflect journalistic reach and impact, regardless of viewpoint?
Fallout and What Comes Next
Sources within the AMEG committee have confirmed that Leavitt will not be invited back next year, citing “a breach of event protocol.” However, it’s unclear if any formal reprimand or apology will be issued. Organizers are reportedly divided—some calling the moment “disgraceful,” others saying it “added electricity” to an otherwise predictable event.
Meanwhile, Karoline Leavitt’s profile has only grown. She gained over 100,000 new followers overnight and has been invited to appear on major conservative outlets in the days since.
As one headline from The Federal Post put it bluntly:
“Karoline Leavitt Didn’t Just Refuse an Award—She Lit a Fire.”
