One year ago, the halls of Congress turned into a battleground of words, and oh, what a showdown it was! During a heated House Oversight Committee hearing in May 2024, Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) unleashed a phrase that set the internet ablaze, calling Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Georgia) a “bleach blonde, bad built, butch body.” This fiery exchange wasn’t just a moment—it was a cultural earthquake, sparking laughter, debates, and even merchandise. Let’s rewind to that wild week and unpack why this clash became legendary.
The drama kicked off when Greene took a personal jab at Crockett, mocking her appearance by commenting on her “fake eyelashes.” The room froze. But Crockett, quick on her feet, wasn’t about to let that slide. With a razor-sharp wit, she fired back, asking if describing Greene’s “bleach blonde, bad built, butch body” would count as a personal attack. The alliteration—those six stinging “B”s—landed like a verbal knockout. The hearing descended into chaos, with lawmakers scrambling to restore order as the phrase echoed across social media. X posts exploded, with users calling it the “clapback of the century.”
Why did this moment hit so hard? It wasn’t just the insult’s creativity; it was the context. The hearing, meant to discuss serious issues, had already been tense, with reports of “drinking involved” adding fuel to the fire. Crockett’s retort was more than shade—it was a stand against personal attacks in a space where policy should reign. She later explained on Jimmy Kimmel Live that she was defending her dignity, turning a moment of disrespect into a masterclass in resilience. The phrase went viral, racking up millions of views on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Crockett didn’t stop at words. By Sunday, May 19, 2024, her campaign filed to trademark “bleach blonde, bad built, butch body” with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, launching the “Crockett Clapback Collection” with T-shirts and merch. Greene, meanwhile, leaned into the jab, posting workout videos on X to flaunt her physique, proving she wasn’t rattled. But Crockett’s move was a power play, turning a heated moment into a brand and a rallying cry for her supporters.
This clash wasn’t just gossip—it revealed the raw tension in Congress. While some cringed at the unprofessionalism, others cheered Crockett for standing her ground. A year later, the “6Bs” remain a symbol of defiance, reminding us that in politics, words can cut deep and spark change. As Crockett said, “I’m not here to play games.” And trust me, she proved it.
