Media magnate Rupert Murdoch doesn't think Obama is a "real black president."
On Wednesday night, the 84-year-old billionaire tweeted his support for Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson, saying: "What about a real black President who can properly address the racial divide?"
Ben and Candy Carson terrific. What about a real black President who can properly address the racial divide? And much else.— Rupert Murdoch (@rupertmurdoch) October 8, 2015
Murdoch tweeted an apology on Thursday, but the damage was already done.
Apologies! No offence meant. Personally find both men charming.— Rupert Murdoch (@rupertmurdoch) October 8, 2015
After his tweet, Murdoch, who is the chair of News Corp, was criticized for his own conservative media outlets for failing to address the racial issues in America.
Rupert Murdoch, what about a real news outlet that can properly address the racial divide? And much else. pic.twitter.com/0AlG4gxYLu— Lily Bailey (@LilyBaileyUK) October 8, 2015
"A real black President"? Sit down, Mr. Murdoch, before Trump deports you. https://t.co/oMkJB392FB— Antonio French (@AntonioFrench) October 8, 2015
You know it's bad when Rupert Murdoch has to tweet to salvage the PR for Ben Carson given Carson's #OregonShooting statements.— deray mckesson (@deray) October 8, 2015
Some saw Murdoch's tweet as an attempt to push positive attention to Carson, who had a rough week after making controversial comments about the Oregon shooting.
"I would not just stand there and let him shoot me," Carson said in an interview with Fox News. "I would say 'Hey guys, everybody attack him. He may shoot me but he can’t get us all.'"
Murdoch, who is worth around $12.1 billion, was born in Australia but gave up his citizenship in 1985 to become an American citizen in order to purchase a network of television stations. He's also been an outspoken critic of his birth country in recent years.