In a recording posted to Twitter on Friday, Houston mayoral candidate Dwight Boykins made inappropriate remarks to a crowd of young women during a campaign appearance on Friday.
The organizers of the event, OCA Asian Pacific American Advocates and Mi Familia Vota, issued a chilling statement Saturday.
“To our great concern and disappointment, Boykins diverged from the program purpose and instead made statements and engaged in conduct that was wholly unacceptable,” said the statement. “After an initial investigation, we took immediate action of notifying the appropriate authorities. Our organizations have pledged full and open cooperation with the authorities.”
During a Q&A session at the school’s event, female students directly challenged Boykins, saying they were angry and uncomfortable with his comments he had made earlier at the event.
“You’ve made some comments that have me a little bit uncomfortable,” one young woman said. “You’ve joked about dating some of us and told us to keep our legs closed.”
It’s not yet clear which school hosted Boykins, a current Houston city council member.
At the event, Boykins said he didn’t mean to make anyone feel uncomfortable. On Twitter Saturday, he issued the following statement:
“During the discussion, I shared my perspective on life & the importance of staying focused while avoiding some of the pitfalls that far too often plague many of our youth, a message I have delivered to groups around the city…
“My words were met to inspire & I deeply regret the extent to which they caused anyone hurt or discomfort,” Boykins wrote. “That was never my intention, & to anyone who may have taken offense by what I said, I apologize.”
This is a developing story that has been updated.
