Rupert Murdoch apologizes for suggesting Ben Carson would be a ‘real black president’
Rupert Murdoch has apologized for his suggestion that retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, the lone African-American in the 2016 race for the White House, would be a “real black” president — and that President Obama, the country’s first African-American commander in chief, is somehow not one.
“Apologies!” Murdoch wrote on Twitter. “No offence [sic] meant. Personally find both men charming.”
Apologies! No offence meant. Personally find both men charming.
— Rupert Murdoch (@rupertmurdoch)
The apology came a day after the News Corp. chairman took to Twitter to promote Carson’s appearance on Fox News’ “Kelly File.”
Don’t miss Ben Carson tonight on Kelly File.
— Rupert Murdoch (@rupertmurdoch)
The 84-year-old Australian-born billionaire then tweeted praise for Carson while taking a swipe at Obama’s handling of America’s race relations.
Ben and Candy Carson terrific. What about a real black President who can properly address the racial divide? And much else.
— Rupert Murdoch (@rupertmurdoch)
Murdoch directed his followers to a New York magazine article — “The Paradox of the First Black President” — that questions whether Obama has done enough for the African-American community in his two terms in office.
Read New York magazine for minority community disappointment with POTUS
— Rupert Murdoch (@rupertmurdoch)
But it was the phrase “real black” that drew immediate outrage and ignited a firestorm on Twitter.
And who is Rupert Murdoch to determine who is “real” black? https://t.co/uenzoJoufo
— Art Chang (@achangnyc)
I’m dying to know what @rupertmurdoch meant by “a real black President.” Is Obama not a real Black person? Rupe what is a real Black person?
— Touré (@Toure)
I only listen to authoritative voices on black identity, like Rupert Murdoch.
— Ronan Farrow (@RonanFarrow)
So, Obama’s been wayyyy too black for conservatives for 7 yrs & now he’s not black enough for Rupert Murdoch? Cool. pic.twitter.com/ea3Zx7ybx2
— Melissa McEwan (@Shakestweetz)
Biracial people love it when people consider them “not real”. Classy @rupertmurdoch, classy.
— Lexi Alexander (@Lexialex)
@rupertmurdoch Answer your phone. It’s your communications VP.
— pourmecoffee (@pourmecoffee)
Rupert Murdoch asks “What about a real black president?” Wondering if we can expect pithy insights like this in the new National Geographic.
— Karen DaltonBeninato (@kbeninato)
@rupertmurdoch you have the ability to change the racial divide, but this tweet demonstrates your own lack of understanding.
— Andrew Seinor (@H_Agent_002)
in Rupert Murdoch’s Aussie Minda #RealBlackPOTUS Must strike a Mack Daddy Pose pic.twitter.com/o9IM5PuGZO
— #VOTEGOPOUT (@INDIGOSKYY)
When the chairman of ur tv network calls Ben Carson “a real black president” pic.twitter.com/Ne0drZq6P7
— Dave Itzkoff (@ditzkoff)
I am thrilled to learn Rupert Murdoch was appointed the guy in charge of deciding who the “real black” people are. What a blessing
— Joan Walsh (@joanwalsh)
“Real black president,” says the white Australian. https://t.co/vTH8m24ljo
— Jamil Smith (@JamilSmith)
A real Black president wouldn’t just stand there. He’d rush the shooter!
— Peter Sagal (@petersagal)
Yes, we need a real black president. https://t.co/6lZMPhcKNX pic.twitter.com/ngaOdOyNDP
— Jamelle Boooooo-ee (@jbouie)
Here you go, @rupertmurdoch. Distribute as you see fit.http://t.co/pXoSglcpbN pic.twitter.com/MbwnpG3Zgl
— Mo Elleithee (@MoElleithee)
It’s not the first time Murdoch’s itchy Twitter finger has got him into trouble.
Murdoch attends the first day of the annual Allen and Co. media conference in Sun Valley, Idaho, in July. (Photo: Mike Blake/Reuters)
In January, the media mogul suggested Muslims “must be held responsible” for the deadly attack on the offices of satirical French newspaper Charlie Hebdo, in Paris.
“Maybe most Moslems peaceful,” Murdoch wrote on Twitter after the attack by Islamic militant gunmen, “but until they recognize and destroy their growing jihadist cancer they must be held responsible.”
Maybe most Moslems peaceful, but until they recognize and destroy their growing jihadist cancer they must be held responsible.
— Rupert Murdoch (@rupertmurdoch)
Comedian Aziz Ansari, whose parents are Muslim, fired off a series of blistering responses.
.@rupertmurdoch Rups can we get a step by step guide? How can my 60 year old parents in NC help destroy terrorist groups? Plz advise.
— Aziz Ansari (@azizansari)
.@rupertmurdoch You are Catholic, why are you not hunting pedophiles? #RupertsFault
— Aziz Ansari (@azizansari)
And following the 2014 disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight 370, Murdoch felt the need to offer his own theories on the plane’s whereabouts.
World seems transfixed by 777 disappearance. Maybe no crash but stolen, effectively hidden, perhaps in Northern Pakistan, like Bin Laden.
— Rupert Murdoch (@rupertmurdoch)
He even linked its disappearance to Muslim extremists.
777. Still think this a reminder that US and China should be working more closely on Muslim extremist threat.
— Rupert Murdoch (@rupertmurdoch)
“I know Rupert Murdoch,” Carson told CNN’s Wolf Blitzer on Thursday. “He’s not a racist — he’s just expressing his opinion.”