Alabama city councilor rejects resignation requests after using n-word at council meeting

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The Alabama Democratic Party has called on Tarrant City Council member Tommy Bryant to step down after video of Monday’s meeting began to circulate. Bryant told CNN affiliate WVTM that he would not resign.

CNN has reached out to Bryant, who is white, for comment.

The council meeting was webcast live on the city’s Facebook page on Monday evening. Bryant is seen in the video standing while discussing various issues with Tarrant Mayor Wayman Newton, who is black.

Speaking to board member Veronica Freeman, Bryant asked, “Do we have a n *** er house here? Do we? Do we? Would she please stand up?” ” This led to Freeman crying and leaving the meeting and returning later.

Bryant said he was repeating something Newton said about Freeman during the executive session.

“He said it in a derogatory way, I said it so people know what the mayor said,” Bryant later told WVTM.

“The mayor was derogatory to Veronica Freeman when he said that.”

CNN has reached out to Newton for comment. The mayor denied using the n-word and told al.com: “They’re trying to expose me for saying something I didn’t say. It was all a political stunt they didn’t. Very well done.”

He added that if he had used the phrase in a meeting with council members, a recording would exist because their meetings had been recorded, so he told reporters to “ask them to produce the video.”

Freeman was not available for comment. Attorney Bryan P. Winter, who represents Freeman, issued a statement saying, “The statements made to the Town of Tarrant constitute unacceptable racial discrimination and harassment. Such statements are deeply hurtful and absolutely unacceptable in our society.

Wade F. Perry, executive director of the Alabama Democrats, released a statement Tuesday, saying Bryant is “racist” and “unfit to serve.”

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