LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Republican Party of Kentucky is investigating the Hardin County Republican Party for a "vile and reprehensible" social media post.
In a statement on Facebook, the Kentucky GOP said it is actively investigating a post made by the Hardin County Republican Party on Saturday, Oct. 25.
The now-deleted artificial intelligence video depicted former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama’s faces edited onto the bodies of apes.
Other Democratic politicians, including Kamala Harris, Joe Biden, Gavin Newsom and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, were depicted as other AI animals in the jungle.
After taking down the Facebook video, Hardin County Republican Party Chair Bobbie Coleman confirmed she shared the post.
She said it was “intended to celebrate President Trump’s successful policy achievements by depicting him as a ‘Lion King.’” Coleman also said she "did not consider the underlying meaning" the video may have had.
"I apologize for sharing the video and for amplifying offensive imagery of former President Obama. As someone who does not engage with racist tropes, I did not consider the underlying meaning that this video may have had. I am not racist and any suggestion to the contrary does not reflect my values or character."
Robert J. Benvenuti III, Chairman of the Republican Party of Kentucky, said he plans to take the "harshest action available to us against those involved."
"The Republican Party of Kentucky condemns hate in all its forms. The post is vile and reprehensible, and is directly adverse to all that we stand for as a party and a nation. We are actively investigating the matter and will take the harshest action available to us against those involved. We remain committed to the values of Lincoln and advancing liberty and prosperity for every American."
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