[WATCH] Colorado Lawmaker Under Fire For Calling Colleague ‘Buckwheat’ During Session
A Colorado state representative is under fire and has sparked uproar after referring to a colleague as “Buckwheat” during a House session Wednesday morning.
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Rep. Richard Holtorf, a Republican who represents the northeastern part of Colorado was talking about military rules of engagement while discussing a piece of legislation. When another member tried to chime in, Holtorf told the rep, “I’m getting there. Don’t worry, Buckwheat. I’m getting there.” He then added, “That’s an endearing term, by the way.”
His remark caused an eruption in the chamber, with multiple people speaking out. Holtorf later told the outlet Colorado Politics that Rep. Tom Sullivan (D) was “spitting mad” and shaking his finger at the Republican. Holtorf later returned to the mic to offer an apology to the House for his remarks.
“I apologize if I’ve offended anybody in any way. It is not my intent, ladies and gentlemen. If anyone would like to talk to me afterward, I’d be more than happy to visit with them,” Holtorf said, Fox affiliate KDVR reports.
As many are aware, although the term “Buckwheat” originated from early 20th century Jim Crow-era serials and was depicted by comedian Eddie Murphy in Saturday Night Live sketches in the 1980s, the term has now been deemed a racial slur, The Hill notes.
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Colorado State Rep Richard Holtorf (R-Akron) referred to a colleague as “Buckwheat,” leading to a heated exchange and brief recess of the House. #coleg #copolitics #9News pic.twitter.com/jYXNbEMg8q
— Kyle Clark (@KyleClark) May 5, 2021
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