A Boston Herald editorial page political cartoon is receiving heavy criticism on social media.
The cartoon references the Secret Service security scandal, showing President Barack Obama brushing his teeth in the White House with an intruder in his bathtub. The intruder then asks the President, "Have you tried the new watermelon flavored toothpaste?"
Many on social media are criticizing the cartoon as racist.
Wow. @BostonHerald runs editorial cartoon with intruder asking Obama about watermelon flavored toothpaste. https://t.co/3AvLOQkGbw #mapoli — Peter Ubertaccio (@ProfessorU) October 1, 2014
Very unfortunate editorial cartoon in @bostonherald today. pic.twitter.com/KygHgFGdOG — Greg Reibman (@Greg_Reibman) October 1, 2014
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I'm sorry, I said "unfortunate" should have said "outrageous." pic.twitter.com/m26is1tImp — Greg Reibman (@Greg_Reibman) October 1, 2014
The Boston Herald issued the following statement on Wednesday morning through a spokesperson:
"Contributors to our Editorial and Opinion pages have the right to express their views, and satire is clearly used in Jerry Holbert's cartoon today. That said, we sincerely regret if we inadvertently offended anyone and extend our sincere apologies."
Jerry Holbert made an apology during an interview on Boston Herald radio with Joe Battenfeld and Hillary Chabot.
