Bob Allen
apologizes for racist remark to local NAACP

Florida state representative Bob Allen apologized to Brevard County's National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on Tuesday night, after blaming his being charged with sexual solicitation in a public bathroom on his fear of being attacked by a black man. The Florida Civil Rights Association is calling for Allen's resignation for his comments.

"This was a pretty stocky black guy, and there was nothing but other black guys around in the park," Allen said in a recorded statement to police after his arrest. He argues that the recorded interrogation was taken out of context when it was released to the news media.

"I don't consider that a racist description," Allen said, according to WFTV. "The description was of the people outside the facility and inside the facility with me. They described me as an overweight, disheveled white man. I don't consider that a racist description."

Allen told the NAACP that he would not resign his position in the state legislature. He is scheduled to appear in court Thursday. (The Advocate)