Rupert Murdoch under fire over tweet about 'real black President'

It’s been suggested the media mogul may need a Twitter editor (at the very least).

MEDIA MOGUL RUPERT Murdoch has come in for quite a bit of criticism online for the tweet below – with some Twitter users suggesting he meant to imply that Barack Obama was somehow NOT a real black president.

This was the initial problematic tweet, referring to Republican White House hopeful Ben Carson:

Ben and Candy Carson terrific. What about a real black President who can properly address the racial divide? And much else.
— Rupert Murdoch (@rupertmurdoch) October 8, 2015

Rupert Murdoch / Twitter

The News Corporation founder then referenced a New York magazine article about “minority community disappointment”.

Read New York magazine for minority community disappointment with POTUS
— Rupert Murdoch (@rupertmurdoch) October 8, 2015

Rupert Murdoch / Twitter

Cue Twitter outrage…

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We couldn't find this Tweet

Oh dear @rupertmurdoch, you are going to get flogged for suggesting Barack Obama is not "a real black president". You need a Twitter editor!
— Stephen Mayne (@MayneReport) October 8, 2015

Stephen Mayne / Twitter

A number of well-known names even piled-on, including producer Norman Lear, and Simpsons star Harry Shearer:

Really, @rupertmurdoch? Now you're just being silly.
— Norman Lear (@TheNormanLear) October 8, 2015

Norman Lear / Twitter

@rupertmurdoch Can you please regularly advise black Americans on which of them is "real", so they'll be free of doubt?
— Harry Shearer (@theharryshearer) October 8, 2015

Harry Shearer / Twitter

There were hundreds of responses, in fact – you can read the whole lot here (if that’s the sort of thing you’re into).

It’s not the first time Murdoch has indicated his support for Carson – a former brain surgeon who’s been performing well in the GOP primary polls.

Everywhere pundits keep underestimating Ben Carson. But public understand humility as admirable, listen to the multi-faceted strong message
— Rupert Murdoch (@rupertmurdoch) October 3, 2015

Rupert Murdoch / Twitter

Carson himself is quite a controversial figure, it should be pointed out – recently he made headlines for suggesting that Islam was antithetical to the US constitution. He added that he didn’t believe a Muslim should be elected president.

ben Mark J Terrill / AP/Press Association Images Mark J Terrill / AP/Press Association Images / AP/Press Association Images

Anyway, Murdoch’s been back online since this whole thing blew up, with the following apology:

Apologies! No offence meant. Personally find both men charming.
— Rupert Murdoch (@rupertmurdoch) October 8, 2015

Rupert Murdoch / Twitter

Read: This controversial brain surgeon is running for the White House and his announcement was very (very) odd

Read: ‘We’re going to be looking at that’ – Donald Trump when asked about ‘getting rid’ of Muslims

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