Buckwheat (Photo by Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images)
#Roommates, many Colorado members of the state legislator were absolutely shocked when Republican legislator Richard Holtorf took time of out a recent meeting to hurl a very nasty and stereotypical racial slur at a fellow colleague. During the meeting, Rep. Richard Holtorf called another member of the state legislator Buckwheat and a verbal altercation quickly ensued.
@TMZ_TV reports, during a House session to discuss the military rules of engagement, Colorado Republican legislator Richard Holtorf made jaws drop when he blatantly referred to one of his Black colleagues as Buckwheat. As he was speaking, he directed his attention to the member of the Colorado state legislator and said, I’m getting there. Don’t worry, Buckwheat. I’m getting there. Almost immediately as the words left his mouth, he added That’s an endearing term, by the way. Those comments led to a fierce backlash from Black Colorado legislator members who were not having Holtorfs racist disrespect.
An argument quickly erupted between Holtorf, Rep. Tom Sullivan and Rep. Leslie Herod, who is also Black. Following the backlash, Holtorf apologized for his comments while speaking to a local news affiliateand claimed that he didnt realize the term was controversial. I had no intentions of insulting, hurting anyones feelings, or being racial or using a racial slur in anyway. Where I’m from in eastern Colorado, as a country boy, Ive had people call me that term many times. Buckwheat. It has a different connotation where Im from. I guess I didnt have the insight to realize that that would be received in such a negative way.
In case you need a refresher on the character, Buckwheat is a highly controversial and offensive character from The Little Rascals TV series from the 1940s and 1950s, who was seen as uneducated, unclean, poor and the butt of several jokes on the show due to him being Black.
As for Richard Holtorf, according to reports, its unlikely that he will face any consequences for his racist outburst and will be allowed to continue with his job.
Want updates directly in your text inbox? Hit us up at 917-722-8057 orclick here to join!
