Who are Pamela Ramsey Taylor and Beverly Whaling? US officials caught up in Michelle Obama race scandal – here’s what we know
Mayor resigns while organisation director is put on leave
A US town mayor and the director of a charitable organisation have been condemned over a "racist" social media post about First Lady Michelle Obama.
Pamela Ramsey Taylor posted a message on Facebook saying "It will be refreshing to have a classy, beautiful, dignified First Lady in the White House. I'm tired of seeing a Ape in heels", to which former mayor Beverly Whaling replied "made my day Pam".
Here's everything we know about the two woman at the centre of the storm.
Beverly Whaling
Beverly Whaling was mayor of the small town of Clay in West Virginia, America.
She had three years of her term left to serve when her comment on Taylor's post came to light, provoking a furious response.
Beverly has since said: "I was referring to my day being made for change in the White House! I am truly sorry for any hard feeling this may have caused! Those who know me know that I'm not in any way racist!"
Town councillors have apologised to anyone who has been offended and are looking for a replacement mayor.
Pamela Ramsey Taylor
Pamela Ramsey Taylor is the director of Clay County Development Corp.
The nonprofit organisation provides services to elderly and low income residents in Clay County.
It is not affiliated with the town of Clay and is funded through state and federal grants.
Her Facebook post, which referred to First Lady Michelle Obama as an "ape" has been shared thousands of times by horrified social media users.
Clay County Development Corp has reportedly put Taylor on leave since she wrote the message in response to Donald Trump's election.
Taylor has also apologised for her remarks and denied they were racist.
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