Rupert Murdoch posted a controversial tweet Wednesday night, suggesting President Barack Obama is not “a real black president.”
Murdoch wrote, “Ben and Candy Carson terrific. What about a real black President who can properly address the racial divide?”
The controversial tweet drew a lot of attention and accumulated over 1,000 retweets and favorites. The Australian-American business leader had previously praised Carson on Twitter and had urged followers “to not miss Ben Carson on Kelly File.” He also tweeted, “Read New York magazine for minority community disappointment with POTUS.” NBC News notes that actor Harry Shearer was one of the 1,000 people to respond to Murdoch’s tweet and asked him to “advise black Americans on which of them is ‘real’ so they’ll be free of doubt.”
Thursday morning, Murdoch took to Twitter again to apologize for his comment. He said, “no offence was meant” and that he “finds both men charming.”
According to NBC News, Nathaniel Brown, spokesman for 21st Century Fox said in an emailed response, "We don't comment on his tweets."
Earlier this year, reports surfaced that Murdoch, 84, would be stepping down as the CEO of 21st Century Fox.
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