Stacey Abrams apologized after receiving criticism for being photographed maskless while surrounded by school children wearing masks.
The Democratic gubernatorial candidate for Georgia told CNN on Tuesday she got caught up in the “excitement” of reading to children for an African American read-in day when she posed for the cameras.
‘CRUELTY AND HYPOCRISY’: STACEY ABRAMS SLAMMED FOR NOT WEARING MASK IN CLASSROOM
“I took a picture, and that was a mistake. Protocols matter, and protecting our kids is the most important thing, and anything that could be perceived as undermining that is a mistake, and I apologize,” Abrams said.
“Protocols matter. Protecting our kids is the most important thing, and anything that can be perceived as undermining that is a mistake, and I apologize.” @staceyabrams shares the story behind photo of her without a mask at a school event. pic.twitter.com/58s4HqL6tO
— OutFrontCNN (@OutFrontCNN) February 9, 2022
Abrams said she wore her mask prior to approaching a podium, where she informed the children that she was taking hers off because of those listening in remotely, making a point to say that those who were there in person were socially distanced.
As Democratic governors in several states ease mask mandates, Abrams said Georgia is not at the same point in the coronavirus pandemic as others.
“COVID hygiene is going to be a point of debate for a very long time, and we can only follow the science,” she said. “Unfortunately, in Georgia, we are not in a place where that conversation is ready because we have one of the lowest vaccination rates in the country,” she said.
Stacey Abrams wants state government mask mandates for Georgians and their children.
But it looks like they wouldn’t apply when she’s attending a photo op. https://t.co/A7H8U6eXKS
— Brian Kemp (@BrianKempGA) February 6, 2022
Though Abrams expressed regret for the photo, over which she was chastised by Gov. Brian Kemp, she rallied against it being used for political advantage.
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“This is complicated, and we cannot make this about politics or scoring political points,” she said.
