Tennessee Lt. Gov. Randy McNally has announced that he will be taking a break from social media following criticism for commenting on posts of nearly nude photos of a 20-year-old gay model. His decision has been met with mixed reactions, prompting questions about the role of social media in politics and the need for more guidance on its use by elected officials. McNally has stated that his intent was always engagement and encouragement, and that he will be pausing his social media activity in order to reflect and receive more guidance.
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Tennessee Lt. Gov. Randy McNally (R) issued an apology Thursday following allegations of hypocrisy for leaving heart and fire emoji, along with occasional remarks, beneath photographs of Franklyn “Finn” McClur, an aspiring performer often seen dressed only in tight underwear. McNally said it was not his intent to embarrass or hurt his friends and family or colleagues in the Legislature, and noted that he had been unaware of the bills targeting the LGBTQ community that had been passed in the state. His apology has sparked criticism from LGBTQ advocates, who have accused him of hypocrisy for supporting bills that target the community while also expressing support for a gay man on social media.
Tennessee Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, a Republican, has been leaving supportive and potentially flirtatious comments and emojis under risque social media photos posted by a 20-year-old performer from Knoxville. McNally's comments have raised eyebrows, especially in light of his support of bills targeting LGBTQ people, and it remains to be seen how the public will respond. The 79-year-old's spokesperson has attributed the comments to his "prolific" social media commenting abilities.