GOP activist apologizes after likening Michelle Obama to a gorilla on Facebook

New York, June 15 (ANI): After jokingly comparing America's First Lady Michelle Obama to an escaped gorilla on Facebook, a prominent South Carolina Republican was forced to kill his Facebook page, and apologize.

Commenting on a report posted to Facebook about a gorilla escape at a zoo in Columbia, longtime GOP activist Rusty DePass wrote: I'm sure it's just one of Michelle's ancestors - probably harmless."

South Carolina political blogger and a former gubernatorial spokesman, Will Folks, busted DePass's remark, which later forced the Republican to apologize.

"'Humor' like this is nothing new for South Carolina Republicans even as the party claims to be focusing on 'outreach' efforts to minorities. The fact that Palmetto Republicans don't get that this is a serious problem for them baffles us," the Daily News quoted him, as saying.

ePass finally apologized for his remarks on WIS-TV in Columbia: "I am as sorry as I can be if I offended anyone. The comment was clearly in jest."

"The comment was hers, not mine," he added, claiming Michelle Obama made a recent remark about humans descending from apes.

Columbia's mayor asked DePass to apologize properly.

"The comment is reprehensible. There's nothing funny about it. What he needs to do is simply apologize in a straightforward manner," said Democratic Mayor Bob Coble.

DePass, former chairman of the Richland County GOP, was an early backer of George W. Bush, and co-chairman of Rudy Giuliani's 2008 campaign in Richland County.

Eric Davis, the current chairman of the Richland County Republicans, said his predecessor should get a pass.

"Everyone says stupid things they regret later. I think the world should move on," he said. (ANI)