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Hardin County Republican leader issues apology after posting video depicting Obamas as apes
The Republican Party of Kentucky has opened an investigation after a local chairwoman posted a video depicting former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as apes.
www.wlky.com
HARDIN COUNTY, Ky. —
The Republican Party of Kentucky has opened an investigation after a local chairwoman posted a video depicting former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as apes.
Hardin County Republican Party Chair Bobbie Coleman posted, and then deleted, the AI video on the group's official Facebook page.
A viewer sent a screenshot of the now-deleted post to WLKY. The video showed the Obamas as apes, along with several other prominent current and past Democratic leaders as animals and President Donald Trump as a lion.
Following the incident, the Republican Party of Kentucky launched an investigation.
“The Republican Party of Kentucky condemns hate in all its forms," the party posted on Facebook. "The post is vile and reprehensible, and is directly adverse to all that we stand for as a party and a nation. We are actively investigating the matter and will take the harshest action available to us against those involved. We remain committed to the values of Lincoln and advancing liberty and prosperity for every American."
Coleman also issued a statement after the matter, saying she posted the video to celebrate Trump's success as president, not to denigrate the Obamas.
Coleman's full statement:
"Earlier today, I shared a video from social media that was intended to celebrate President Trump’s successful policy achievements by depicting him as a Lion King, triumphing over liberal Democrats. I thought this video was a silly way to celebrate the policy victories of the past nine months - including tax cuts, peace in the Middle East, a strong border, and lower gas prices.
"I apologize for sharing the video and for amplifying offensive imagery of former President Obama. As someone who does not engage with racist tropes, I did not consider the underlying meaning that this video may have had. I am not racist and any suggestion to the contrary does not reflect my values or character.
"I deleted the video and apologized long before the Republican Party of Kentucky issued their statement. While I respect their stance, I had already deleted the post and tried to make amends. I believe the Republican Party is the vehicle to save our country from the far-left and I look forward to continuing to support our Republican candidates and Make America Great Again."
