Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed tried to turn the page on his ties to controversial streamer Hasan Piker Friday — but MS NOW host Katy Tur pushed back. The candidate’s comments come just days after Piker suggested Jewish Americans are "making antisemitism worse" by voicing their support of Israel — a statement that drew harsh criticism from El-Sayed, who has appeared alongside Piker on the campaign trail."I believe all Americans deserve the right to advocate for what they believe without fear of violence.This is particularly true for communities that have been intimidated for their beliefs in the past," El-Sayed said in a statement following Piker’s remarks.EL-SAYED DISTANCES HIMSELF FROM HASAN PIKER AFTER DISTURBING REMARKS ABOUT JEWISH AMERICANSTwitch streamer Hasan Piker appeared on the campaign trail with Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed.
(Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP Photo)He added that "Antisemitism is a scourge, and we need to address it in all its forms," while promising to "stand against any rhetoric that puts the community at risk.""And while politicians and pundits try to make this race about a Twitch streamer, we’re going to be talking about gas, groceries, good schools and healthcare," El-Sayed continued.MICHIGAN DEMOCRAT DEMANDS REPORTERS STOP ASKING 'ABOUT HASAN PIKER' AHEAD OF SENATE RACEMichigan U.S.Sen candidate Abdul El-Sayed, speaks with the media after a debate at WoodTV studios on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, in Grand Rapids, Mich.
(AP Photo/Kristen Norman)On Friday’s "The Moment with Katy Tur," El-Sayed appeared to continue his effort to distance himself from Piker in light of his controversial remarks."So, if you have Jewish voters in Michigan — I’ll say [Attorney General] Dana Nessel is one of them — who are worried about your association with Hasan Piker.Why? Why keep him so close? Or why not fully disassociate yourself with him, especially when Michigan is so tight? Elissa Slotkin only won b...