President Joe Biden, known for his long political career and occasional gaffes, recently made an awkward remark during a speech about the liberation of Americans detained in Russia. Biden addressed Miriam Butorin, the daughter of one of the freed prisoners, saying, “No serious guys until you’re 30,” and requested the audience to sing Happy Birthday to her. The video clip quickly went viral, drawing criticism on social media.
During his speech, Biden said, “Tomorrow is a big day, the 13th birthday of Miriam. As you all know, we have a tradition in the Biden family. We sing Happy Birthday.” He then added, “And remember, no serious guys until you’re 30. God love you,” as reported by Radar Online. On a more serious note, he concluded, “Now she gets to celebrate with her mom. That’s what this is all about – family, able to be together again like they should have been all along.”
The President’s remark sparked backlash online. One person commented, “No serious guys? Not no guys, but no serious guys. Am I the only one who thinks that’s a strange statement?” Another user questioned, “Wouldn’t having someone draw attention to a little girl like that embarrass the hell out of them? Again with the ‘no guys until you’re 30’ thing.” A third person criticized, “Is a prisoner swap with Russia really the time to hit on 11-year-old girls, Joe? Holy Mother of God, are you a horrendous human being.”
Another user cautioned, “Can we please keep him away from pre-teen girls nowadays? Not the first time he has said this to a little girl. Bring back Biden Too for the sake of the children.” Others chimed in with similar sentiments, expressing discomfort and calling the remark crass and humiliating.
Miriam Butorin, the young girl in question, is the daughter of Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva. According to The Telegraph, the U.S. released eight Russian criminals in exchange for 16 American prisoners from Russia.
This incident is reminiscent of a similar situation in 2019 when Biden complimented a 10-year-old girl on her appearance during a campaign rally in Houston, Texas. He told the girl, “I’ll bet you’re as bright as you are good-looking.” Following criticism, Biden addressed the matter in a video, stating, “Social norms are changing. I understand that, and I’ve heard what these women are saying.
Politics to me has always been about making connections, but I will be more mindful about respecting personal space in the future. That’s my responsibility and I will meet it,” as reported by Business Insider. As the video of Biden’s latest remark continues to circulate, it has ignited a broader conversation about the appropriateness of his comments and the importance of maintaining decorum in public interactions.