Calls for ‘ape outrage’ post mayor to quit

THE mayor of a West Virginia town has issued an apology for her response to a racist post on Facebook comparing first lady Michelle Obama to an ape.

Beverly Whaling, mayor of Clay, was responding after Clay Co Development Corporation director Pamela Ramsey Taylor posted following Donald Trump’s election as president: “It will be refreshing to have a classy, beautiful, dignified First Lady in the White House. I’m tired of seeing an ape in heels.”

Ms Whaling replied: “Just made my day Pam”, but the posts sparked an angry backlash, with calls for both women to be sackecd.

An online petition is seeking to remove Ms Whaling and Ms Taylor, however Ms Whaling said her comment was not intended to be racist, claiming in a statement that she was referencing the change in the presidency.