JACKSON, Miss.- State Rep. Gene Alday publicly apologized Tuesday afternoon on the House floor for some controversial comments he made in a recent Clarion Ledger article.
His racist remarks didn’t go over so well with many legislators or with Governor Phil Bryant.
“There is just no room in Mississippi today for any kind of comment related to individuals because of their race. I was offended by it and I’m sure many other people in Mississippi were,” said Bryant.
The controversial statement Alday told Clarion Ledger writer Jerry Mitchell was, “All the blacks are getting food stamps and what I call `welfare crazy checks’. They don’t work,” said Alday, talking about the town of Walls, where he served as mayor.
Alday later said the statements, which were published Sunday, appeared out of context and didn’t accurately portray his feelings. He denied being racist and said he has supported civil rights.
Alday took fault for the mistake he made saying, “I didn’t do it with intent, but I am deeply sorry for my recent statements and I was wrong to say what I did and there is no excuse for my behavior,” Alday said. “I value the relationships I’ve made with everyone in this House.”
You can listen to Alday’s apology here:
