Columbia (WLTX) - Former State Election Commission Chairman Rusty DePass has given a public apology for a remark that linked First Lady Michelle Obama and an escaped gorilla at the Riverbanks Zoo.
DePass spoke at a news conference Wednesday in Columbia that was called by the NAACP. DePass had asked leaders with the organization beforehand if he could appear at the event and make remarks. He thanked Dr. Lonnie Randolph, the president of the South Carolina NAACP, for allowing him to appear Wednesday.
After a handshake with Randolph, DePass read the following statement:
"I want to thank Dr. Randolph for giving me this opportunity to come here this morning. I am here today for one purpose, and that is to apologize in such a way that there can be no misunderstanding.
When I was asked about this on Friday, I apologized for it. I am truly sorry for any offense that I have caused. My remark was clearly inappropriate, and I apologize for writing it.
Since that time, I have written a letter of apology to Mrs. Obama and I have given Lonnie [Randolph] a copy of that letter, though I have made no effort to make it public.
My comment was offensive and a flippant remark made without thinking. It was wrong. It was foolish, and I deeply regret it and any pain it has produced.
I do not want to compound my indefensible words, other than to offer each of you, as I have Mrs. Obama, my complete and total apology and for any offense I have caused.
I have embarassed myself, as well as my friends and associates, and the members of my family.
All I can do, is ask you to forgive me. Thank you, very much."
He told reporters that he had written a letter to Michelle Obama, apologizing for his remark. DePass gave a copy of the letter to the NAACP, and officials did not want to release the letter.
When asked if Randolph believed that some good could result from the controversy, he said, "I think so. We are the eternal optimists. That's how we day in and day out fight bigotry, hatred every day."
"We hold no hatred," Randolph said, "We couldn't function by doing the things that our adversaries do to us, and we know something good will come out of it."
The NAACP leader went on to say, "I know Mr. DePass. I've known him for many, many, many years, and I'm glad that he chose to come and do and say what he said today."
When asked of Randolph's reaction to first hearing the remark, Randolph said, "I don't want to say I was surprised. But, I was 'disappointed' would be a better word. I was very disappointed."
Randolph said DePass's appearance at the news conference and his subsequent apology was the first step in the process of healing.
"The healing process can begin now," Randolph said.
The Associated Press reported that DePass has resigned from his real estate broker job because of the controversy.
Last Friday, South Carolina political news site FITSNews.com reported DePass had posted a comment on Facebook describing an escaped gorilla at Riverbanks Zoo as an "ancestor" to First Lady Michelle Obama.
The comment was made after Trey Walker, an advisor to SC Attorney General Henry McMaster, posted a Facebook update about the escaped animal at the zoo. DePass comment stated, "I'm sure it's just one of Michelle's ancestors - probably harmless."
FITSNews captured an image of this posting. The post was later removed from Facebook.
Columbia Mayor Bob Coble offered this response as well.
"Anytime someone apologizes, I think that's all you can ask; it was a terrible comment, but if you apologize that's what needs to be done," Coble said.
Coble said he wanted the world to know the comments of one don't represent the state as a whole.
"I certainly just want to make sure that the nation doesn't associate those remarks with us," Coble added.
In our first web post, we inadvertently reported that Mr. DePass mentioned the David Letterman/Sarah Palin controversy.
That was incorrect and we apologize for this mistake. There was no reference to that in his statements today.
6/17/2009 8:50:18 PM
