Michigan GOP Chair Sharply Criticized For 'Scary Masked Man' Comment About Lt. Gov. Gilchrist

Meshawn Maddock, co-chair of the Michigan Republican Party, was trying to deflect criticism over the weekend after calling Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist a "scary masked man." Some accuse her of racism.

"Is it still accurate to call something a dog whistle as it's actively shattering your eardrums?" Lavora Barnes, chairwoman of the Michigan Democratic Party, said in a statement, The Detroit News reported Sunday. "Meshawn Maddock's racism was on full display with this horrendous comment about Lt. Gov. Gilchrist, and it adds to the already miles-long list of her actions that the MIGOP and Republican elected officials and candidates continue to endorse with their silence."

Maddock's comments came after Gilchrist, the state's first Black lieutenant governor, posted a video Thursday on social media saying he was resuming public activities following a bout with Covid. Maddock retweeted Gilchrist's message and said: "Show this video to a (sic) babies and watch them cry. Scary masked man should #StayHome."

Critics also include state Sen. Laurie Pohutsky, D-Livonia, who tweeted Saturday: "This is disgustingly racist and anyone in her party that recognizes that needs to call her on it." At that same platform, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib of Detroit called Maddock's comment "disgusting" and said: "The MIGOP leadership is showing us who they really are."

Read more: https://www.deadlinedetroit.com/articles/29759/michigan_gop_chair_sharply_criticized_for_scary_masked_man_comment_about_lt_gov_gilchrist