Mayor Of West Virginia Town Apologizes Over Response To Racist Michelle Obama 'Ape In Heels' FB Post

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The mayor of a West Virginia town has issued an apology for her response to a racist post on Facebook about first lady Michelle Obama.

The woman who made the initial post, Clay County Development Corp. director Pamela Ramsey Taylor, has been removed from her position, according to reports.

Clay Mayor Beverly Whaling says her comment wasn't intended to be racist.

Taylor made the post following Republican Donald Trump's election as president, saying: "It will be refreshing to have a classy, beautiful, dignified First Lady in the White House. I'm tired of seeing a Ape in heels.''

Whaling responded: "Just made my day Pam.''

Whaling said in a statement sent to news media that she was referencing the change in the White House. She says she isn't racist.

Taylor did not return a call seeking comment.

TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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