Major League Baseball (MLB) is reportedly requesting the return of a donation to Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), whose recent comments have sparked backlash ahead of a runoff election this week.
The league said in a statement that the $5,000 contribution was made “in connection with an event that MLB lobbyists were asked to attend,” according to MLB Network reporter Jon Heyman.
The office of the MLB commissioner made the maximum donation to Hyde-Smith on Nov. 23, according to reports, and has also donated to her in the past.
{mosads}Hyde-Smith, who was tapped to replace retired Sen. Thad Cochran (R), is taking on Democrat Mike Espy in a runoff election on Tuesday to finish out Cochran’s term.
MLB is the latest group to pull financial support for Hyde-Smith amid backlash over her recent comment that she’d be in the “front row” of a “public hanging” if invited.
The remark, which was caught on video, has sparked controversy due to Mississippi’s history of lynching.
Walmart, Pfizer, AT&T, Union Pacific and Boston Scientific all ended support and requested the return of donations to Hyde-Smith following the remarks.
President Trump is holding two rallies in Mississippi for her on Monday.