World

Murdoch says sorry for 'real black president' tweet

New York: Powerful media magnate Rupert Murdoch apologized on Thursday after suggesting that Barack Obama was not "a real black president," triggering outrage.

In a message posted to his @rupertmurdoch Twitter account late Wednesday, the 84-year-old owner of News Corporation had seemed to question Obama´s racial identity while comparing him unfavorably to Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson, an African-American retired neurosurgeon.

"Ben

By AFP
October 08, 2015
New York: Powerful media magnate Rupert Murdoch apologized on Thursday after suggesting that Barack Obama was not "a real black president," triggering outrage.

In a message posted to his @rupertmurdoch Twitter account late Wednesday, the 84-year-old owner of News Corporation had seemed to question Obama´s racial identity while comparing him unfavorably to Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson, an African-American retired neurosurgeon.

"Ben and Candy Carson terrific. What about a real black President who can properly address the racial divide? And much else," Murdoch tweeted.




The message was retweeted 1,300 times and mentioned 1,200 times amid an outpouring of anger on the Internet.

Murdoch took to Twitter again on Thursday saying: "Apologies! No offence meant. Personally find both men charming."




Race remains a highly sensitive issue in the United States, where a series of police brutality cases against blacks have fueled protests and debate since the summer of 2014.