Miami State Senator Apologizes for Racially Charged Slur

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Miami state Sen. Frank Artiles apologized on the floor of the Florida Senate for more than three minutes during Wednesday's session for using a racially charged slur word in private conversations with two members. But that didn't stop calls for the Marine veteran to step down amid the controversy over his casual use of racial slurs and profanity.

Saying his "harsh words have adversely reflected more on me than they could ever have on anyone else," Artiles first apologized to state Sen. Audrey Gibson of Jacksonville "for the words and tone I used with you Monday night." He then turned to Sen. Perry Thurston of Fort Lauderdale, whom he referred to as "my friend and colleague and a person who put his arm around me and tried to guide me in the right direction." (Sign up for our free Daily Newsletters and Breaking News Alerts for the Pinecrest Patch.)

Both lawmakers are African-American Democrats while Artiles is a Republican. Artiles said he did not direct the racial slur toward anyone in particular but "that is rightfully the most inflammatory."

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Standing in the chamber with a microphone and apparently reading from prepared remarks, the senator said: "I know my explanation is inadequate but it's sincere."

Finally, he apologized to Sen. President Joe Negron whose "countless hours of work, work ethic and dedication to leading this body doesn't merit my crass and juvenile comments."

Saying he grew up in a diverse community in which people shared each other's customs, cultures and vernacular, Artiles acknowledged that his position does not allow for the "looseness of words or slang, regardless of how benign my intentions were."

He pointed to his time in the service in asking colleagues to forgive his language. "In the Marine Corps, we take great pride in standing up and accepting responsibility for mistakes because lives are on the line," he said. "I stand up before all of you, every one of you and with great humility I ask for your forgiveness."

Artiles was stripped of his chairmanship over the Florida Senate's Communications, Energy and Public Utilities Committee over the incident. He was replaced by fellow Republican Sen. Kelli Stargel of Lakeland.

Watch Sen. Artiles' Apology:

Image and video courtesy of Florida Senate