Former President Donald Trump's social media post depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as primates was deleted Friday after widespread bipartisan backlash, according to Fortune. The video, which surfaced during the first week of Black History Month, showed the Obamas' faces superimposed on apes. The White House initially defended the post but later attributed it to a staffer, a rare admission of a misstep.
The post drew immediate criticism from both Republicans and Democrats, as reported by Fortune. Civil rights leaders and veteran Republican senators were among those who condemned the video as offensive, citing its racist undertones. NPR News also reported on the incident, highlighting the video's depiction of the Obamas.
According to NPR News, the video clip was posted on social media before being removed. The White House's initial response included press secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissing outrage over the post as "fake," according to Fortune. However, after calls for its removal, including from within the Republican party, the White House stated a staffer had erroneously posted the video.
In other news, the U.S. and Iran are set to hold talks regarding the nuclear program, as reported by NPR Politics. Additionally, Democrats have unveiled a new list of demands for the Department of Homeland Security.
Meanwhile, Netflix settled a defamation lawsuit brought by a former Vanity Fair staffer who claimed she was falsely portrayed in the Shonda Rhimes series "Inventing Anna," as reported by Variety.
Also, the release of files connected to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation has caused a political storm in Britain, according to Time. The disclosures have already impacted the monarchy, with Prince Andrew facing renewed calls for accountability.
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