Jeff Metcalf reportedly referred to Karmelo Anthony as a “watermelon felon,” a phrase widely described as invoking a racist stereotype rather than a statement about “blacks” generally. He also made other harsh remarks about Anthony and Anthony’s parents in the same interview, but the clearest widely reported line tied to race was that nickname.

What was said

  • The reported phrase was “watermelon felon.”
  • The comments were made during a podcast appearance after the gag order in the case was lifted.
  • Coverage characterized the remark as racist and a racial stereotype.

Important context

  • Anthony was convicted and sentenced in the case tied to Austin Metcalf’s death, which is why the father’s comments drew so much attention.
  • The reporting does not show Jeff Metcalf making a broad statement about Black people as a group; it shows him using a racially loaded insult toward Anthony.

Bottom line

So, the answer is that he reportedly called Carmelo/Karmelo Anthony “watermelon felon,” which many outlets described as racist, but I did not find a verified quote where he made a general statement about Black people.