Anthony Weiner’s awkward interview on 'Hannity' was incredibly cringy

After a brief absence from public life, Anthony Weiner made his first television appearance on Hannity Monday after spending 18 months in prison for “sexting” with a 15-year-old girl. Sean Hannity immediately asked Weiner if he’s changed, and the answer was not as straightforward as one might expect.

“Well, um, I think so,” Weiner slowly answered. “I don't think anyone can go through that kind of experience, and I think this is probably true of people who have been through other types of adversity, I don't think you go through that type of experience and don't emerge changed.”

Hannity called the answer obscure, and pressed Weiner for a more satisfactory response. But Weiner made it clear that he doesn’t care what people think of him.

“I’m not out to persuade you or anyone else that I’ve changed,” Weiner said, later adding, “I’m not trying to make someone like me, or someone be persuaded of any particular outlook on me. We’re gonna have some conversations about things going on in New York City and other places, and hopefully people tune in to the show. But I’m not terribly interested in trying to make them feel any differently about me.”

Weiner just started a new radio show in New York City with Curtis Sliwa.

Video Transcript

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SEAN HANNITY: You went-- you pled guilty. You served jail time. Have you changed? Are you a different person?

ANTHONY WEINER: Well, I think so.

KYLIE MAR: Former congressman, Anthony Weiner, appeared on "Hannity" Monday, making his first television appearance since spending 18 months in prison for sending a 15-year-old girl inappropriate photos. And things got awkward when Weiner tried to explain whether or not he's changed.

ANTHONY WEINER: I don't think anyone can go through that kind of experience, and I think this is probably true of people who have been through other types of adversity, I don't think you go through that type of experience and don't emerge changed.

SEAN HANNITY: Well, wait. That's-- but, Anthony, wait a minute.

ANTHONY WEINER: So I think it's fairly obvious.

SEAN HANNITY: Anthony, that's an obscure answer. I think so.

KYLIE MAR: Weiner appeared along with Curtis Sliwa to promote their new radio show in New York, but Hannity continued to struggle with Weiner's answer.

SEAN HANNITY: Can you assure people because you're going to now try and draw in an audience, and they're going to want to know if you've changed or not? Have you changed?

ANTHONY WEINER: They-- they can judge for themselves.

SEAN HANNITY: I'm sorry?

ANTHONY WEINER: I said, they can judge for themselves.

KYLIE MAR: Viewers took to Twitter to share in the cringiness. One person tweeted, Anthony Weiner is on Hannity right now, and this might be one of the most awkward interviews on record. OMG, I'm uncomfortable. Another wrote, pretty clear Anthony Weiner is still exercising poor judgment in choosing media activities. But Weiner made it very clear he doesn't care what people think of him.

ANTHONY WEINER: I'm not out to persuade you or anyone else that I've changed. No, I'm not trying to make someone like me or someone be persuaded of any particular outlook on me. Hopefully, people will tune into the show, but I'm not terribly interested in trying to make them feel any differently about me.

KYLIE MAR: And Hannity made it clear that he would have handled the situation differently.

ANTHONY WEINER: All I can do is give you the answer, brother.

SEAN HANNITY: Well, that's your answer. I would have expected a little bit more sincerity, a little more heartfelt, a little more repentant--

ANTHONY WEINER: I don't know what to tell you.

SEAN HANNITY: --the word from the--

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