Rupert Murdoch apologises for 'real black president' tweet
Media mogul Rupert Murdoch has issued an apology after he faced a social media backlash following his suggestion that US president Barack Obama is not a “real black president”.
Murdoch, the founder of the global News Corp media empire, was praising Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson and his wife on Twitter on Wednesday when he wrote: “Ben and Candy Carson terrific. What about a real black President who can properly address the racial divide?”
Ben and Candy Carson terrific. What about a real black President who can properly address the racial divide? And much else.
— Rupert Murdoch (@rupertmurdoch) October 8, 2015
He also recommended a New York magazine article asking whether Mr Obama has done enough for the African-American community.
Mr Murdoch, who founded the Fox News Channel, apologised on Thursday and tweeted that he “personally find(s) both men charming”.
Apologies! No offence meant. Personally find both men charming.
— Rupert Murdoch (@rupertmurdoch) October 8, 2015
The 84-year-old has praised Mr Carson on Twitter before, calling him “irreproachable on background, achievements, character, vision”.
