‘Ape in heels’: vile post about Michelle Obama triggers backlash against West Virginia mayor and other official

US First Lady Michelle Obama, pictured at an event to target homelessness among US veterans at the White House on Monday, was branded an “ape in heels” by a West Virginia official. Photo: AP

The director of a West Virginia development group and a mayor are under scrutiny after a racist post about first lady Michelle Obama caused a backlash and prompted calls on social media for both women to be fired.

Clay County Development Corporation’s director Pamela Ramsey Taylor made the post following Donald Trump’s election as president, saying: “It will be refreshing to have a classy, beautiful, dignified First Lady in the White House. I’m tired of seeing a Ape in heels.”

Print option is available for subscribers only.
SUBSCRIBE NOW
Copyright © 2025 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.