Rupert Murdoch apologizes for ‘real black president’ tweet

This post has been updated.

Media mogul Rupert Murdoch apologized Thursday after drawing criticism on Twitter the previous night for implying that President Obama is not a “real black president” in a message intended to praise GOP presidential hopeful Ben Carson.

Ben and Candy Carson terrific. What about a real black President who can properly address the racial divide? And much else.

— Rupert Murdoch (@rupertmurdoch) October 8, 2015

“Ben and Candy Carson terrific,” the owner of Fox News wrote on Twitter Wednesday. “What about a real black President who can properly address the racial divide? And much else.”

The next morning, Murdoch tweeted an apology:

Apologies! No offence meant. Personally find both men charming.

— Rupert Murdoch (@rupertmurdoch) October 8, 2015

Many on Twitter took issue with Murdoch’s choice of words in his original message.

Great deal of respect for Rupert Murdoch. While I suspect his motive is knocking Trump, this is babble and divisive Great deal of respect for Rupert Murdoch. While I suspect his motive is knocking Trump, this is babble and divisive Great deal of respect for Rupert Murdoch. While I suspect his motive is knocking Trump, this is babble and divisive pic.twitter.com/4d7MG0A1ar

— Montel Williams (@Montel_Williams) October 8, 2015

I am thrilled to learn Rupert Murdoch was appointed the guy in charge of deciding who the “real black” people are. What a blessing

— Joan Walsh (@joanwalsh) October 8, 2015

Apparently Apparently Apparently @BarackObamahttps://t.co/YuImmln6sC

— Ted Sussex (@Teddler) October 8, 2015

Murdoch has been a vocal Carson booster and has posted several supportive tweets about the candidate.

Everywhere pundits keep underestimating Ben Carson. But public understand humility as admirable, listen to the multi-faceted strong message

— Rupert Murdoch (@rupertmurdoch) October 3, 2015

Ben Carson polls improving every week. Maybe the one to beat. Irreproachable on background, achievements, character, vision.

— Rupert Murdoch (@rupertmurdoch) September 5, 2015

Murdoch, 84, started his media empire with a chain of Australian newspapers. It has grown to include 21st Century Fox (which is now run by his son, James), Britain’s BSkyB, Dow Jones, The New York Post, Harper Collins and a 30% stake in Hulu, to name a few