Bill O'Reilly Accused Of Being Racist After He Mocks Congresswoman's 'James Brown Wig'

UPDATE: 2:27 p.m. EST — Bill O'Reilly released a statement Tuesday afternoon apologizing for remarks he made about Rep. Maxine Waters earlier in the day, calling them "dumb."

Original Story:

Fox News host Bill O'Reilly mocked a black congresswoman and outspoken critic of President Donald Trump on Tuesday, saying he couldn't hear a word she said because he was distracted by her "James Brown wig."

O'Reilly made the comments on "Fox and Friends" after watching video footage in which California Democrat Maxine Waters delivered an anti-Trump speech on the floor of the House Monday night. In the clip shown to O'Reilly, Waters called into question the patriotism of the those who supported the president.

Read: Donald Trump To Be Impeached? 'Get Ready' For Charges, Maxine Waters Warns Amid Russia Investigation

"When we fight against this president, and we point out how dangerous he is for this society and this country, we are fighting for this democracy," Waters said in the footage, while O'Reilly was shown in split-screen next to the congresswoman. "We are fighting for America. We're saying for those who are saying they are patriotic, but they turn a blind eye to the destruction they are about to cause this country, 'You're not nearly as patriotic as we are.'"

O'Reilly was then asked what he thought of Waters' comments.

"I didn't hear a word she said. I was looking at the James Brown wig," O'Reilly said. "If we have a picture of James Brown — it's the same wig."

Before viewing the footage, Trump said he "loved" the Congresswoman.

"Maxine Water should have her own sitcom," O'Reilly said. "People get angry at Maxine Waters. I want more of it."

After commenting on Waters' hair, O'Reilly repeated his "love" for Waters and called her a "sincere individual." He added that he'd love to have her on his talk show, but admitted that would probably happen "when hell freezes over."

Despite his faint-hearted praise of Waters, Twitter was quick to call O'Reilly racist for his comments.