Full Breakdown
Austin Metcalf’s Father Calls Karmelo Anthony a “Watermelon Felon” Amid Racial Backlash
6/13/2026, 8:32:29 AM
Racial Remark Sparks Outcry
On June 10 2026, Jeff Metcalf, father of Austin Metcalf, appeared on the “JinxedSip” podcast and called the teen who killed his son a “watermelon felon.” He prefaced the slur with, “Let me make something racist up so you all can go viral,” then used the term while denouncing Anthony’s parents. The clip spread across X, Facebook, Threads and other platforms, prompting immediate condemnation and renewed debate over racial framing of the case.
Background and Trial
Austin Metcalf, 17, was stabbed to death at a Frisco, Texas, high-school track meet on April 2 2025. Karmelo Anthony, also 17, was charged with murder. A Collin County jury found him guilty on June 9 2026 and sentenced him to 35 years, with parole eligibility after 17½ years. The 12-member jury included no Black jurors; sources differ on whether any minorities served. A gag order had barred Jeff Metcalf from speaking publicly until it was lifted days after the sentencing.
Official Statements & Responses
The Associated Press reported that prosecutors and defense told jurors the case “had nothing to do with race.” Prosecutors called Anthony’s act “unjustified murder,” while his lawyers argued self-defense. In a CBS interview, Jeff Metcalf said, “A lie is temporary, but the truth lasts forever,” and insisted the case “was never about race.” Anthony’s parents announced an appeal, claiming the trial was unfair. Rep. Jasmine Crockett warned the verdict might differ if the races were reversed, and the Collin County NAACP questioned the trial’s fairness and representation.
Criticism & Opposition
Civil-rights groups condemned the “watermelon felon” slur as a revival of a Jim Crow-era stereotype. The National Museum of African American History and Culture called the watermelon trope “pervasive” in racist iconography. Activist Dominique Alexander said Black lives “do not matter in Collin County.” Rapper Cardi B labeled the 35-year sentence “disgusting,” arguing it reflected racial bias.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the jury’s racial composition—some describe it as all-white, others note several minorities but no Black jurors. Snopes found no evidence the podcast video was AI-generated, despite early speculation. Metcalf’s motive for the slur—provocation or personal belief—remains unverified, as he has not answered media inquiries.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Let me make something racist up so you all can go viral.” — Jeff Metcalf, JinxedSip podcast
- “I could care less about the color of your skin. We all bleed the same color.” — Jeff Metcalf, podcast (49:01)
- “I forgave him so I don't carry the hate and the anger,” — Jeff Metcalf, podcast (53:00)
- “We were robbed!” — Jeff Metcalf, courtroom impact statement
What’s Next
Anthony’s legal team has filed a notice of appeal, and his parole eligibility will be reviewed after 17½ years. Jeff Metcalf said he will record a video for any future parole hearing. The controversy over the “watermelon felon” comment continues to fuel national discussion on race, media framing, and criminal-justice equity.
