A Houston mayoral candidate is in hot water over comments he made this weekend to a group of teens and young adults during a summit. Dwight A. Boykins, who currently serves as a city councilman in Houston, addressed the crowd that was meant to allow younger voters to meet with mayoral candidates.
According to witnesses, Boykins began by instructing the room not to film or record the event because he is going to “tell it to us straight.” He then joked about dating a 13-year-old girl he brought on stage, and finally brought up a slightly older girl whom he held tightly and made allusions to dating her as well. He further insinuated that if he were to sleep with her, she would be ruined for other boys.
Some in the crowd asked him about women’s rights and the mental health issues that plague the city, as well. A witness said he brushed off the questions and retorted, “Women should keep their legs closed.”
i normally don’t post things like this, but i’m appalled that houston mayoral candidate #dwightboykins said these things to young girls at a summit the other day. #boycottboykins pic.twitter.com/dTRxpAzXze
— the school meme account (@dianacdeleon) June 29, 2019
Outrage over Boykin’s appearance was quick to reach social media, with many who attended the event calling for him to drop out of the mayoral race and resign from City Council.
Boykins issued an explanation and apology via his personal Facebook account, writing, “Over the course of my career, I have always been plain-spoken and have always spoke from my heart, especially where it involves laying a positive path forward for our youth. That was my sole objective recently when I was asked to speak to a group of students about their future hopes and dreams. During the discussion, I shared my perspective on life and the importance of staying focused while avoiding some of the pitfalls that far too often plague many of our youth, a message I have delivered to groups around the city. My words were met to inspire and I deeply regret the extent to which they caused anyone hurt or discomfort. That was never my intention, and to anyone who may have taken offense by what I said, I apologize.”
