Arizona Councilman Apologizes For Saying ‘I Can’t Breathe’ At Anti-Mask Rally
Earlier today we shared a video of Scottsdale, Arizona councilman Guy Phillips boldly mocking George Floyd’s last words “I can’t breathe,” while speaking at an anti-mask rally on Wednesday. After receiving a great deal of backlash, Phillips has now issued an apology.
In a phone interview with 12 News, Phillips says, “It was a stupid and insensitive comment that I shouldn’t have made, and I had no intention of disrespecting anybody while making that comment.” While adding that he feels awful about the situation, he says his intent was to solely show how restrictive he felt the masks were, and in now way to mock George Floyd.
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Per Arizona Central, Phillips also issued an apology to the Floyd family, stating, “I did not mean any disrespect and there was no connection. I am sorry about a comment I made today that was the same comment Mr. Floyd had made. He didn’t deserve what happened to him and I by no means was trying to make light of it by saying I can’t breathe in a mask. Please accept my sincerest apology and that goes out to anyone who became offended.”
Phillips, who has been in office since 2013 and is running for his third term. had a prior controversial moment in March after he shared incorrect information about the COVID-19.
He’d stated that the acronym stood for “Chinese Originated Viral Infectious Disease.” He apologized, explaining his actions were reckless and that he was committed to sharing information that “promotes healing and goodwill.”
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