Abdul El-Sayed plays down Hasan Piker ties after streamer’s viral antisemitism firestorm

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 AMERICANS 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 RACE 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 by 22,000 votes," Tur asked.

According to Ballotpedia, Slotkin won by 19,000 votes .

MICHIGAN DEM AG TURNS ON EL-SAYED OVER TERROR ATTACK RESPONSE, WARNS OF MENTALITY THAT 'BOTHERS ME A LOT' "This campaign is not about a streamer in California.

This campaign is about affordability in Michigan.

This campaign is about the ability to have healthcare," El-Sayed said.

Tur pushed back, arguing the "streamer in California does campaign with a lot of Democrats.

So he’s not just a streamer." HASAN PIKER IS BECOMING THE 'FACE OF THE PROGRESSIVE MOVEMENT,' FORMER DEMOCRATIC OPERATIVE WARNS El-Sayed appeared to continue distancing himself from Piker, despite Tur’s pushback.