TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Following Senator Frank Artiles' apology for making derogatory comments and using a racial slur, Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum is calling for his resignation.
He issued the following statement Wednesday morning:
"We have struggled with days when these words were too common. They are the ugliest words in our language and they tear at the fabric of our society. They have no place in 2017, just as Senator Artiles has no place in the Florida Senate. His statement this morning fell well short of what Floridians expect: his resignation. He must step aside immediately."
Artiles made his apology after news reports circulated about him criticizing Senator Audrey Gibson, D-Jacksonville, on Monday night at the Governors Club near the Capitol, according the News Service of Florida.
The Miami Herald also reported that Artiles also used the word "niggers" --- though he later said he had used the word "niggas" and suggested that he didn't think the slang term was insulting.
The News Service of Florida cited the Florida Times-Union saying that they reported that Artiles' tirade apparently stemmed from being upset that Gibson had voted against bills he sponsored.
The Herald reported that Artiles made derogatory comments, including referring to Gibson as "this bitch" and "girl."
Artiles made his apology on the Senate floor Wednesday morning saying, "I stand up before all of you, every one of you, and with great humility, I ask for your forgiveness."
The News Service will have a full story later Wednesday.
