‘Ape in heels’: W.Va. mayor resigns amid controversy over racist comments about Michelle Obama

Michel Obama met with Melania Trump at the White House
Michelle Obama met with Melania Trump at the White House

CLAY, W.Va. — The mayor of this tiny West Virginia town has resigned amid a firestorm over racist comments about Michelle Obama, according to Clay officials.

Mayor Beverly Whaling, who had commented approvingly on a Facebook post comparing the first lady to an ape, turned in her letter of resignation Tuesday. Joe Coleman, the town recorder, said Whaling’s resignation was effective immediately.

The mayor’s resignation came one day after the director of a local, government-funded nonprofit was removed from her position over a Facebook post.

After Donald Trump’s election as president, Pamela Ramsey Taylor, director of the Clay County Development Corp., took to social media to comment on the upcoming shift from Obama to Melania Trump, writing: “It will be so refreshing to have a classy, beautiful, dignified First Lady back in the White House.”

She added: “I’m tired of seeing a Ape in heels.”

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46 Comments

  1. Grell Laterre
    November 18, 2016

    Come to think of it, all you knockers of America for being a racist country, look into your own backyard first.

    Dominica is one of the most racist countries on earth. In Dominica –

    1) you get a better deal if you are light-skinned (Parry Bellot will confirm this for sure :))
    2) if you have very dark skin, to make it, you either have to have money in your family, or get into politics. Otherwise, it will be ‘know your place’ ‘n*gg*r :)
    3) If any Dominican has to choose between helping a black man and helping a white man, the white man prevails – ALL THE TIME :).

    • Dominican-West Indian
      November 18, 2016

      I don’t know what country you live in but it doesn’t sound like you know anything about Dominica.

  2. Grell Laterre
    November 18, 2016

    How can it be racist to call someone an ape? The woman is tall, yes. She is ape-like, yes. So what’s the big deal? There a numerous accounts on the Internet (some based on authoritative research) that inform that this lady is indeed a transgendered man. Is that racist too?

    • February 28, 2017

      That is garbage. Posting such trash does you more harm that it does Mrs. Obama. How can you lower yourself to say such things? Even if what you say is true (and it is not) what kind of person would post statements like this about another individual?

      When I see somebody who has faced a challenge in life or is currently struggling I immediately wonder if there is some way I can extend a helping hand or help that person reach his or her fullest potential. Come on! Is it because I am a minister of the gospel or because I am human being and that is how I want others to treat me? Probably both. But I want you to think the same way.

      Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.

  3. Dominican-West Indian
    November 18, 2016

    Has there ever been any doubt that america is a racist country?
    They tried to pretend otherwise with the election of a black president but I think Obama only won because alot of white people didn’t vote back then and the “minorities” turned up in large numbers.
    Now the white people finally got the voice they always wanted so that they don’t have to hide their racism anymore.

  4. Run
    November 17, 2016

    not nice..

  5. November 17, 2016

    This was a racist statement and it grieves me deeply.

    I am not a fan of the Obamas. His left field liberalism is contrary to everything I believe in. But this has nothing to do with race or color. Nobody should make comments of a personal nature. I detest anything that smacks of white or black supremacy. First, I’m knowledgeable enough to know there are good and bad people on both sides of the color line. Second, as far as I know there is no science to back up any of this supremacy nonsense. Third, as a white evangelist I preach in both black and white churches and both
    peoples support my ministry.

    Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.

  6. Da4real
    November 17, 2016

    Lets all say what the beautiful super intelligent classy first lady Michelle Obama said..”when they go low WE GO HIGH”

    • November 17, 2016

      I don’t agree with her politics but that speech was a knock out! “When they go low we go high :!: I want to adopt that advice and apply it in every situation of life when I am being attacked! Think about it.

      Christians know they are not suppose to respond in kind to slander and cruel remarks because ours is a higher calling. Let it be a personal lesson.

      “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you, and persecute you:” (Matthew 5:44)

      “Bless them that persecute you: bless and curse not.” (Romans 12:14)

      “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)

      Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.

      • Too Hard Too Long
        November 18, 2016

        I endorse that reply

    • Ma Boluo (Massacre)
      November 24, 2016

      Well, I do not approve of this transgendered person taking drugs at the expense of Americans. If she wants to get high, that is her personal and private business and really, we don’t want to hear about that.

  7. The Truth Be Told
    November 16, 2016

    Some people cannot control their temper, their tongue and their fingers on the keyboard. Many have lost good paying jobs because of that. They make derogatory remarks and then they have to turn around and apologize.
    What the Mayor stated was uncalled for. A woman in her position, she should have known better. It shows she never appreciated Michelle in the White House. I am certain the same for many white Americans. They kept their feeling to themselves and spoke in private about it.
    It is insulting and I would expect she would have to resign. The pressure was on for her resignation. She could not have continued to hold this public office position after she made this demeaning remark. Sad for her.

    • November 17, 2016

      I am not a fan of the Obamas in any political sense but that is how it is in democracy. I live in – and vote in – Canada so who is in the White House and what goes on there does not directly affect me.

      However, I expect many white Americans have positive feelings towards Mrs. Obama. She is a classy lady.
      Being a speaker myself I know a good speech when I hear one. You don’t have to adhere to all the politics
      in Michelle’s recent speech but come on, she sure has a command of words even if she could have put them to better use than to endorse Hillary :!:

      Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.

    • November 17, 2016

      I think what the Mayor said about the First Lady was absolutely appalling. First, it was untrue. Second, it was cruel. Third, it was inappropriate coming from an elected public figure.

      Yes, she should resign. She should apologize to Mrs. Obama. And she should apologize to the American people because she is their First Lady. It is not easy being the wife of a national leader, in this case the Commander-in-Chief. The same is true of the wives of all politicians. They live in a glass fishbowl. Their every move is scrutinized. Then to hear remarks like this made is simply too much. It is the worst I have ever heard.

      Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.

  8. UDOHREADYET
    November 16, 2016

    racism has a price these days let the bigots know they will pay!!

  9. J.John-Charles
    November 16, 2016

    If I am expecting a black brother @ 2.00 pm and he arrives @ 3, I would say \”Where have u been you nigger?\”
    That would not be a problem.But if it comes from a white,all hell brakes loose and of course that would not be appropriate because of slavery.Now let\’s turned it around a black can say almost anything about a white and that will not make news.In the 2008 primary Obama against Hillary Clinton,she was accused several times by the Obama team of racism.Even now Trump is accused of racism by saying people from Muslim countries who want 2 come here 2 do us harm will not be welcome in the U.S.We must remember Muslim is not a race but a religion.He also said \”It is wrong 4 people to cross the border,we want immigrants in the U.S.but they must come in the proper channel.\”and every one shouting he is a racist.He have said even before elected \”illegals who are here committing crimes will be deported, the southern border must b secured and the rest who are here will be…

  10. Da
    November 16, 2016

    Before you criticize someone you first have to examine yourself against those same faults that you point out in that person, or else you would be the biggest hypocrite!

    • The Truth Be Told
      November 16, 2016

      Especially on this Website. Some are prone to doing that. Then they turn around and play goody-two shoes. This is hypocritical.

  11. Bumbble Lee
    November 16, 2016

    We are superior in every way; That’s the main reason why white hatred is permanent towards us black people. Come-on White peoples, get over it already. You stole all we had, and yet you can’t keep us down. You told us to “go back to Africa.” Meanwhile, you are right there in my MODAH LAND. DOING WHAT? STEALING MY RESOURCES. :twisted:

    • Mahaut
      November 16, 2016

      Everyone believes they are superior t the other , that’s why we all are equal!

      • The Truth Be Told
        November 16, 2016

        Equal only as human beings and in the eyes of God.

      • Sakway Gwo Boudeh
        November 17, 2016

        watch the olympics , then come back with that comment! We are naturally dominant, hence why white superiority invests sooo much in trying to keep us down. Given a fair chance, Africans will naturally dominate without even trying, other races wont stand a chance!

      • November 17, 2016

        Apparently you’ve only seen the Summer Olympics? But seriously, superiority complexes are nonsense on any side of this — there’s no science behind any racism, whether white nationalism or black nationalism. Best to just see people as the individuals they are.

      • Sakway Gwo Boudeh
        November 18, 2016

        I agree it would be best to see people as they are but, reality has to be factored in – we are not seen as we are, as you suggest – White superiority controls our environment (why?).

        It is not a complex but, based on evidence. Blacks dominate sports worldwide. Black music (American, Jamaican – more recently African, Uk) is dominant despite clear and obvious media bias. Blacks survive and suceed despite unspeakable oppression including biological attacks, mass incarceration, economic oppression etc. Historically blacks have had all their resources stolen and have been stripped physically, mentally, economically etc. No other race is targeted in such an extreme way (why???) and despite that, we still survive and a lot of us succeed – imagine what would happen without the oppression!

        An analytical brain can see clearly that superiority in its current form is to prevent the threat of blacks dominating the planet.

    • The Truth Be Told
      November 16, 2016

      Yeah! Some people would like to deceive themselves and think they are superior to others. Actually, no race is superior to another.
      Those who think, as a person, they are superior to others, take a look at their personal status, what they have aspired to and acquired legally.
      He – God shall put down the mighty from their seat and exalteth the humble.
      Humble yourself before the Lord and He will exalt you in due time.

    • November 17, 2016

      Bumbble Lee:

      You can do better than this.

      “We are superior in every way; …” There is no scientific evidence to support this!

      Some black people are superior to some white people in certain ways.

      Some white people are superior to some black people in certain ways.

      “… white hatred is permanent towards us black people.” Problems here!

      (a) Not all white people have hatred towards black people. In fact my own life experience and observation leads me to believe a small percentage do.

      (b) Racism is a learned behavior. I grew up in Canada. I don’t think I ever saw it. Now it is here (fanned by the liberal media) but not like in the States.

      (c) It is not “Permanent”. Racial “hatred” is something people can grow out of and often do. It is found less among those with a higher education. Also those who are genuinely converted to Christ and become followers of the Christian way gradually lose any “hatred” they had towards those of another race…

    • Dante Jones
      November 18, 2016

      Superior how? And not a single black nation is a superpower

      • Bumbble Lee
        November 18, 2016

        You know why, don’t you? We are not robbers and killers of others for their wealth? Guns and bombs and poisonous gasses were not invented by black people. All the evidence of evil is pointed to one race – All the other races became copiers.

  12. Shaka Zulu
    November 16, 2016

    As I always say let people speak freely. I love it. You get to know Who the real racists, bigots, and true enemies are. Let everyone express themselves. I rather live by my neighbor knowing who he really is than thinking he is your friend and deep down would cut your throat. Let those closet racists show their face.

    • amindom
      November 16, 2016

      Shaka Zulu, Sir, what a fanastic comment! Very wise. You’re a very wise man. :idea:

    • The Truth Be Told
      November 16, 2016

      Never judge or compliment a man (woman) until they open their mouth to speak.
      Whatever comes out of their mouths tell who and what they are like. The same applies from the mind, to the fingers on the keyboard.

  13. Tjebe fort
    November 16, 2016

    They did not want an ape in the White House but now they have elected a gorilla for president. There are a lot of silly, ignorant and insular people in America.

  14. Cyrique
    November 16, 2016

    The wretch did the right thing by resigning!!! If these are the people who surrounds Trump then God help us& God help America!!!

    • Lorraine
      November 16, 2016

      Cyrique, the words against Michelle Obama were offensive but the mayor should not have resigned. Why is it ok for a black person to say similar words quoting from Mighty Sparrow’s popular song “monkey wearing mini” about black women. double standard does not work.

      • Believer
        November 16, 2016

        Really….that’s your comparison?

        Was Sparrow elected by the people, to represent the people and uphold a high moral code?

      • Concerned
        November 16, 2016

        I understand your plight about we black folks calling each other names, but in the mayor’s position, when you are an elected person to serve the people, you cannot be on social media making those kind of comments, black or white, I am sorry.

      • Peace
        November 16, 2016

        You view on race and race relations is shallow at best.

      • unstoppable
        November 16, 2016

        What do you mean she shouldn’t resign? She’s a mayor, let her save those “comments” for her family picnic.
        Whether she’s racist or not will not stop our black kings and queens from reaching the top, slavery couldn’t stop us. Nothing will.

      • Truth
        November 16, 2016

        Damn fool. Go to the American Midwest and join these bigoted idiots in spurting out your garbage. Not on DNO!!

  15. Heartfelt
    November 16, 2016

    Why is it wrong for a white person to make racist comments about a black person but it is ok for a black person to make degrading comments about blacks? Our men call each other ”nigger” but are so offended if white folks do it. We call our black sisters “hoes” and “ratchet”. How is that different from a white person calling a black an ape? We idolize whites. Our people prefer “shabine” girls over dark skinned girls. Our women don’t like “black” men. Why are we surprised that some from other races don’t like us when we don’t even like our own or appreciate how far we’ve come? There’s a white supremacist elected as President of the U.S. now. Let us keep on pulling each other down and we’ll know what time it is.

    • Tjebe fort
      November 16, 2016

      You have a point there bro. We have a habit of reinforcing the stereotype image that other people, have of us. Imagine, one of the most popular T.V. programs is BET …yes Black Entertainment. Imagine the outcry, especially by our own if there was a program called WET!
      I always get very upset when locals refer to another black person as vieil neg, especially veille neg saal, that is so downputting, degrading and disgusting. Time we showed more respect for one another.

      • Real!!!!!
        November 16, 2016

        My view is….. when a black person refer to another black person using the ” N” word they are taking away the power the “N” word which the white folks so like to use against us.

        Not meaning that I approve of we calling each other the ” N” word but I understand the physiology of what they are trying to do by making the “N” meaningless.

    • Annoymous Reader
      November 16, 2016

      But white people call each other “white trash” “trailer trash” “redneck” ……SO WHAT?!

      • The Truth Be Told
        November 16, 2016

        None can win. From time to time most insult each other be it in different ways. They do it right on this Website and they have never seen the people nor spoken to them. They may never meet them in their lifetime. I hope in future they will not forget what they stated and treat everyone kindly.

      • Me
        November 17, 2016

        We used to have an old proverb in patois that said “Neg ni mauvais maniere”.
        So it is ok. then for us to use such deprecating language as long as it used to make ourselves look small and worthless?

      • November 17, 2016

        These words are always inappropriate. People talk like this usually to grab attention for themselves not to intentionally hurt. But I suspect they are people who are verbally challenged with a limited vocabulary.

        This kind of exchange is found most often in television entertainment but it is a kind of entertainment that portrays the lower class. The thing to remember is that it is not intended to be taken seriously. Please don’t consider it the norm and think it must be O.K. to apply these words to your fellow man in real life.

        Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.

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