Florida Rep. Brian Mast issued an apology after Facebook posts from 2009 and 2011 revealed that he joked about rape and sex with underage girls.
Mast, a Republican, posted the remarks in comments on Facebook posts made by his campaign manager, Rocco LeDonni. In one post from February 2009, Mast commented on a post featuring LeDonni’s vacation to South Africa.
“Im so proud of you… i hope you hook up with at least fifteen 15 year olds over there…. its legel there right,” Mast wrote.
In a post from May 2011, LeDonni wrote, “Anyone have any good pick up lines for this weekend considering according to the crazy christian radio guy the world may end on sunday?” Mast responded, “How about don’t turn this rape into a murder.”
The South Florida Sun Sentinel said that all of the comments were deleted from Facebook after the outlet requested a comment from Mast on the story.
Mast, who lost both of his legs after stepping on an explosive device while serving in Afghanistan in 2010, called his comments “jokes” and acknowledged that he had written them more than a decade ago.
“A decade ago when I was in the Army, and following my injury, I made disgusting and inappropriate jokes that I am embarrassed to have associated with my name today,” Mast said. “I am sorry about that part of who I was, and I strive every day to be a better example for my kids.”
Mast is facing a competitive election for his congressional seat. His opponent, Democrat Pam Keith, condemned Mast’s remarks.
“This is disgusting, unacceptable, and dishonorable behavior for any man, let alone a sitting member of Congress,” Keith said. “Rape, violence, and intimidation of women and children are not Brian Mast’s punchline — his words are an insult and betrayal to the women he claims to represent.”
