A recent undercover operation by investigative journalist James O'Keefe has brought to light a video of Jonathan Franklin, an adjunct professor at Georgetown University, using racially charged language to describe black conservative figures and making disparaging comments about his colleagues. The footage was captured during what Franklin believed was a private date.
Franklin, set to begin teaching journalistic techniques at Georgetown in January 2026, was formerly a correspondent for NPR, where his reporting focused on race, culture, and justice. The hidden camera footage shows him referring to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas with a racial slur, calling him "the biggest coon of them all." Conservative commentator Candace Owens was also targeted in the conversation, labeled as "annoying" and "another coon." Franklin accused these figures of betraying their principles for the benefit of white men, branding Owens a "sellout."
The video also captures Franklin's views on his university colleagues, whom he described as "stupid white people." During the conversation, O'Keefe encouraged Franklin to share these opinions publicly, to which Franklin responded that doing so would require him to give up his journalism career to say what he "really wants to say."
The reveal of Franklin's identity led to a physical altercation, where he made contact with a cameraman from the O'Keefe Media Group and subsequently fell to the ground while trying to leave the scene. This incident, along with the content of the recorded conversation, has raised questions about the ethical implications for Franklin's upcoming course on journalistic techniques.
O'Keefe took to social media to point out the irony of Franklin's role as an educator who is responsible for teaching effective interviewing skills, contrasting it with his private conduct and use of language that goes against journalistic ethics. Georgetown University has yet to release a statement regarding Franklin's comments or his employment status following the release of the footage.
The video has sparked a debate about the responsibility of educators and journalists in maintaining professional conduct and the impact of private beliefs on public responsibilities. The incident underscores the broader conversation about the intersection of personal views and professional obligations, especially for those in influential positions.
