TBA Law Blog

TBA Law Blog

Rep. Carter Apologizes for ‘Fried Chicken’ Remark

Posted by: Kate Prince on Jun 9, 2020

Rep. Mike Carter, R-Ooltewah, has issued a public apology after making an “inappropriate” comment to an African American colleague, the Commercial Appeal reports. Carter, a white man, made the comment during a House Civil Justice Subcommittee meeting, when he tried to give Rep. Joe Towns, D-Memphis, a chance to speak, but could not get his attention. "He's getting the secret formula to Kentucky Fried Chicken," Carter said. "Pretty concentrated on that." Carter said he would let Towns "get the recipe" before returning to him. In House chambers hours later, Carter appeared to fight back tears while apologizing for his remarks, calling them inappropriate and saying he looked forward to working on any issues of “racial reconciliation” in the future. Towns said he appreciated Carter’s apology. "Historically in our country we've had a lot of problems," Towns said, noting recent developments around the country and in Tennessee. "It's very critical that we have to mind our words as it relates to women and children and ethnic groups that have been maligned over a period of time."

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