Who called michelle obama a gorilla in heels

Checked on September 21, 2025
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1. Summary of the results

The original statement asks who called Michelle Obama a gorilla in heels. According to the analyses, multiple individuals have made derogatory comments comparing Michelle Obama to a primate [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]. Specifically, Pamela Ramsey Taylor, the director of a West Virginia nonprofit, called Michelle Obama an 'ape in heels' in a Facebook post and was subsequently fired from her position [1] [4] [5]. Carl Paladino, the New York co-chair for the Donald Trump campaign, called Michelle Obama a 'gorilla' and said he hoped President Obama would die from mad cow disease, later issuing an apology [3]. Additionally, Jane Wood Allen, a teacher's aide at a Georgia elementary school, called Michelle Obama a 'gorilla' repeatedly in Facebook posts, leading to her termination [6]. Other individuals, including Dan Johnson, Charles Wasko, Patrick Rushing, and Rusty DePass, have also made similar comments [2].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

A key point missing from the original statement is the context and consequences of these comments. Many of the individuals who made these comments faced backlash and were fired or forced to resign from their positions [1] [4] [5] [6]. Additionally, the analyses highlight the racist and derogatory nature of these comments, which can have a significant impact on the individuals and communities targeted [2] [7]. Alternative viewpoints, such as the need for self-censorship when reporting on potentially offensive comments, are also discussed [7]. It is also worth noting that not all individuals who made these comments were held accountable, and some may have faced less severe consequences [2].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement may be misleading or incomplete, as it only asks about a specific comment ('gorilla in heels') and does not provide context about the broader issue of derogatory comments made about Michelle Obama [1] [2] [3]. The statement may also be biased, as it only focuses on a specific type of comment and does not acknowledge the complexity of the issue or the various individuals involved [4] [5] [6]. Furthermore, the statement may benefit those who seek to downplay or dismiss the severity of these comments, or those who wish to shift the focus away from the individuals who made these comments and the consequences they faced [2].

Want to dive deeper?
What was the public reaction to the gorilla in heels comment about Michelle Obama?
Who was the West Virginia official that made the gorilla in heels comment about Michelle Obama?
How did Barack Obama respond to the gorilla in heels comment about Michelle Obama?
What actions were taken against the person who made the gorilla in heels comment about Michelle Obama?
How did the gorilla in heels comment affect the conversation about racism in the US during the 2016 election?