Minnesota Congresswoman and Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann appeared on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon Monday night. The appearance sparked controversy when Fallon’s house band, the Roots, used Fishbone’s “Lyin’ Ass Bitch” as her entrance music. The Roots’ music choice was quickly criticized and eventually Fallon issued an apology.
Fallon wrote on Twitter that it was an “honor” to have her on the show, adding, “I'm so sorry about the intro mess. I really hope she comes back.” He later added that it was a “really fun interview. She helped me with my Minnesota accent. (I still sound Irish.)”
According to Politico, Fallon did not mention the name of the song used, which people on both sides of the political isle have labeled offensive.
New York Democratic Congresswoman Nita Lowey told Politico that both Fallon and the Roots, as well as NBC, “should apologize.”
According to The Huffington Post, conservative radio show host Glenn Back slammed Fallon, calling him a “despicable, reprehensible human being.” Beck also said that Fallon probably would not fire the Roots because he is "a girl...playing little girl games."
Playing intro music that relates to the guest is all part of the Roots’ act. As The Washington Post notes, in the past, the band, which is lead by drummer Questlove, played a Milli Vanilli song when Ashlee Simpson came on to poke fun at her own lip-syncing controversy. They also played E.U.’s “Da Butt” when Serena Williams came on the show and performed Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face” for Joan Rivers.
You can watch Bachmann's introduction right here: