News from the state of Kentucky

The chairwoman of the Hardin County Republican Party in Kentucky is apologizing after posting — then later deleting — a video depicting former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama as apes.

The Kentucky Republican Party said it is investigating the matter "and will take the harshest action available to us against those involved."

“The Republican Party of Kentucky condemns hate in all its forms," said party Chairman Robert J. Benvenuti III in an Oct. 25 statement. "The post is vile and reprehensible, and is directly adverse to all that we stand for as a party and a nation."

The Obama's depictions were caught on a screenshot of the video which was shared with WAVE-TV.

Hardin County Republican Party Chair Bobbie Coleman confirmed through a Facebook post late Saturday night that she had shared the video on the party's account. She said she did not initially see the video as engaging in a racist trope, but instead portraying President Trump "as a Lion King, triumphing over liberal Democrats."

"I thought this video was a silly way to celebrate the policy victories of the past nine months - including tax cuts, peace in the Middle East, a strong border, and lower gas prices," Coleman said.

Coleman then apologized for posting the video and "amplifying offensive imagery of former President Obama."

"As someone who does not engage with racist tropes, I did not consider the underlying meaning that this video may have had,' she said. "I am not racist and any suggestion to the contrary does not reflect my values or character."

Benvenuti of the state Republican Party said it "condemns hate in all its forms."

"We remain committed to the values of Lincoln and advancing liberty and prosperity for every American,” he said.

Coleman said she removed the video from Hardin County's account before Benvenuti issued his statement.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Leader of local GOP in Kentucky apologizes for sharing racist video depicting Obamas

Reporting by Mandy McLaren, Louisville Courier Journal / Louisville Courier Journal

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect