By Sarah Mansheim
Two Clay County officials have found themselves the subjects of national uproar after a Facebook post, deemed racist, went viral over the weekend.
Clay County Development Director Pamela Taylor allegedly posted a remark on Facebook stating, “It will be refreshing to have a classy, beautiful, dignified First Lady in the White House. I’m tired of seeing a Ape (sic) in heels.”
Then, Clay County Mayor Beverly Whaling commented on the post, “Just made my day Pam.”
A screen shot of the conversation went viral.
As of press time, nearly 14,000 people across the country have signed an online petition at thepetitionsite.com demanding that both officials be fired from their jobs. Online gossip reporter Perez Hilton has joined the outcry, and CBS news has reported on the story.
Neither Taylor or Whaling could be reached for comment. The Clay County Free Press tried to reach the Clay County Development Office by phone Monday morning, but no one answered. Taylor’s voicemail box was full.
The Clay County Free Press also tried to reach Whaling at work Monday morning at Premier Bank, but was told that Whaling was not there.
According to a report on WSAZ, Taylor originally took the post down and issued two versions of an apology. As of press time, Taylor and Whaling have both deleted their accounts.