NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A Tennessee lawmaker has asked for forgiveness on the House floor after he made a racially offensive joke hours before to a fellow representative.
Earlier in the day on Monday, while chairing a House panel, Rep. Mike Carter had made an offhand remark about Democratic Rep. Joe Towns while trying to get his attention. The remark quickly garnered criticism online.
"Earlier today I said something stupid," said Rep. Carter.
Rep. Towns accepted the apology and the two lawmakers hugged on the House floor.
Other black lawmakers declared the comment was particularly inappropriate given the recent protests around the U.S. against police brutality and racism.
