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west virginia
Mayor quits after racist Facebook posts that compares Michelle Obama to "ape in heels"
The West Virginia mayor said her friend had ‘made her day’ with the post.
https://www.facebook.com/yahoonews/videos/10154875965529714/
A WEST VIRGINIA mayor has resigned following a backlash after she posted a response to a racist comment about first lady Michelle Obama on Facebook.
The Clay Town Council accepted Mayor Beverly Whaling’s resignation in a meeting and said it would act quickly to name a replacement for the remaining three years of her term.
Council member Jason Hubbard issued a brief statement condemning the “horrific” post and said “racial intolerance isn’t what this community is about.” He apologised on behalf of the town to anyone who is offended, including Michelle Obama.
Clay County Development Corporation director Pamela Ramsey Taylor made the post following Republican Donald Trump’s election as president, saying:
It will be refreshing to have a classy, beautiful, dignified First Lady in the White House. I’m tired of seeing a Ape in heels.
Mayor Whaling responded: “Just made my day Pam.”
Taylor told WCHS-TV on Monday night that she was put on leave.
Meanwhile, Whaling issued a written apology to news media outlets saying that her comment wasn’t intended to be racist.
I was referring to my day being made for change in the White House! I am truly sorry for any hard feeling this may have caused! Those who know me know that I’m not in any way racist!
Taylor did not return a call seeking comment.
African-Americans make up about 4% of West Virginia’s 1.8 million residents, according to the US Census.
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