Second time Auckland mayoral candidate Craig Lord insists there’s nothing racist about a social media post he made featuring a black rooster — and doesn’t care if anyone finds it offensive.
Lord denied on Thursday that there was any racial element in a December 2019 sexually suggestive Instagram post, which featured a picture of a rooster, captioned: “Honest to say a big black cock is impressive to look at.”
“There’s nothing racist about it,” Lord said.
“You want it to be, but there isn’t. And if someone has hurt feelings, that’s their problem, not mine.”
READ MORE:
* Auckland mayoralty: candidates divided on transport emissions reduction plan
* Auckland mayor hopeful Efeso Collins wants ‘urgent’ decision on city’s port
* Auckland mayoral candidates divided on how to deal with ongoing protests
* Auckland mayoralty: Cereal King and ex-mayor Dick Hubbard back Ephesus Collins
Lord also rejected suggestions that the post might contain any racial undertones due to his own native heritage, saying, “You know, you’re talking to a Māori, aren’t you?
‘You can run this and try to ‘get’ me what you want. It’s not going to work,” he added.
However, former race relations commissioner Dame Susan Devoy says such posts are “just not acceptable” and “not appropriate for anyone, let alone a mayoral candidate”.
Devoy, who was a commissioner from 2013 to 2018, believes Lord should be more aware of the responsibilities that come with running for nomination.
“With the upcoming elections, we are looking for people who will show moral leadership,” she said.
“Everyone knows that if you’re a public figure and you’re trying to go for a role as such, you have to be above everyone else.”
Dame Susan Devoy says some of Craig Lord’s social media posts are “not suitable for anyone, let alone a mayoral candidate”.
Devoy also objected to Lord using the fact that he is Māori to absolve him of any racial insensitivity.
“People have to cry out. It doesn’t matter what race you are, if you make those kinds of comments, you can expect consequences.”
Lord’s social media activity was brought to stuff attention by rival candidate and adult entertainer Lisa Lewiswho described some of his posts as “extremely offensive”.
Lewis objects to the rooster post — “(he refers to) a penis” — but is more concerned about the caption on another from May 2021, which mentions Lord’s wife.
“Shelley, I know you’ve always wanted something bigger and more possibilities. I take it 10 inches is enough? Anyway, I’ll just punch it in and wait for your feedback,” the caption reads.
“I thought that was the worst, and then the big black cock — that’s clearly sexual innuendo,” Lewis said.
“People would think I would be the one to be tolerant of such comments, but in fact, no. I find it quite derogatory towards women.”
Lewis admits she’s no stranger to sexual innuendo, but brushing off suggestions from some of her own campaign photos — in which she appears to be wearing only hot pants and a ribbon — could also be considered inappropriate.
Tom Lee / Stuff
Auckland Mayor’s candidate Lisa Lewis says some of Craig Lord’s posts are “extremely offensive”.
“I believe there is a difference between owning your body and being abusive with what Craig Lord has done,” she said.
Lord has posted several other sexually suggestive messages, which he also denies are offensive.
“My stance is that if I want to have a little bit of humor and a little bit of fun, I’m welcome and able to do that,” he said.
“And if people want to be offended by them, that’s their problem, not mine.
“There will be other ‘gotchas’ that you may want to try and find.”
Lord took to Facebook on Thursday night to warn his followers about: stuff questions and downplay the seriousness of the problem by writing, “Wait for them to scroll on Twitter.”
His Twitter account also contains tweets denouncing accusations of racism after stating that he would not use a “Māori whisperer” in the mayor’s office. Those comments come after rival candidate Fa’anānā Efeso Collins said he would have a senior Māori adviser if elected.
When asked why he hasn’t made his Instagram page private — or attempted to delete posts — Lord said he’s not “afraid”.
“A lot of people create private accounts because they are afraid of what people might think. You won’t get that from me at all.”