Fox News personality Bill O'Reilly said Tuesday he had a hard time concentrating on California Rep. Maxine Waters during a speech because he was distracted by her "James Brown wig."
O'Reilly made the comments during an appearance on "Fox & Friends" after a clip was shown of the Democratic representative speaking on the House floor the day before.
In her remarks, Waters defended those who were critical of President Trump, saying that the criticism arose from a love of country.
"When we fight against this president and we point out how dangerous he is for this society and for this country, we are fighting for democracy," Waters said. "We are fighting for America. We are saying to those who say they are patriotic, but turn a blind eye to the destruction he's about to cause this country, 'You're not nearly as patriotic as we are.'"
O'Reilly, as he watched, appeared to mouth the words "right on" and give a clenched-fist salute.
After the clip, he said, "I didn't hear a word she said. I was looking at the James Brown wig."
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One of the show's male co-hosts can be heard saying off camera, "it's the same one."
Fox's Ainsley Earhardt defended Waters, saying O'Reilly shouldn't go after a woman's looks.
O'Reilly said he thought Waters, who is black, is a sincere individual and that he admired her.
Waters, who was first elected to Congress in 1991, has been an unapologetic critic of the president and has openly called for his impeachment.
