JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Florida’s Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll has apologized for saying she’s too attractive to be a lesbian.
This was the comment she said directly into our cameras: "Usually black women that look like me don't engage in relationships like that."
Carroll (R-FL) said it to deny allegations claiming she was found in a compromising position with a female aide. But, the backlash began almost immediately after.
"Not only were the words pretty mean-spirited, but they were dishonest and they made invisible the diverse array of lesbians, and black women who are lesbians, in particular,” said Nadine Smith, Executive Director of Equality Florida.
The comment really hit close to home for Smith. She created an online petition demanding Carroll apologize for her remarks.
Two days later, she got one.
Carroll sent Smith this letter:
Dear Nadine:
I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincerest apologies to anyone I may have offended with my recent comment. It is wrong and inexcusable to make a comment that hurts people, and that was not my intention. As a Christian, my faith guides me to love and respect all people. The false charges that have been lodged
against me are no excuse for what I have said that may have been hurtful to members of your organization and to other Floridians. Please know that I am committed to treating every person with the utmost courtesy, respect and dignity and I hope you will
accept my heartfelt apology.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Carroll
Lieutenant Governor
Smith also received a personal phone call from the Lt. Governor.
"She apologized directly and wanted to make sure that we got the fax and knew that she regretted the language that she had used,” said Smith who has since accepted Carroll’s apology.
The Lt. Governor invited Equality Florida to reach out to her office whenever they need her. In return, Smith offered Equality Florida to her as a resource.
