SC NAACP Demands Apology For Ex-Election Leader’s Posting

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - The state NAACP is demanding an apology from a former South Carolina official whose Internet posting suggested a gorilla that escaped from the Columbia zoo was an ancestor of first lady Michelle Obama.

NAACP president Lonnie Randolph said Monday that former Election Commission chairman Rusty DePass has not offered a “proper” apology. Randolph says the NAACP isn’t giving DePass undue attention, rather decrying racially charged commentary against the Obamas.

Minutes after the gorilla’s escape was reported, DePass posted: “I’m sure it’s just one of Michelle’s ancestors - probably harmless.“

The Facebook posting was captured on a South Carolina politics blog. DePass did not immediately return a call Monday, but he told WIS-TV that the posting was a joke.