Florida Secretary of State Resigns After Blackface “Katrina Victim” Photos Surface

By Lindsay Thomaston  |  January 25, 2019 | 4:48pm
Photo by Mark Wallheiser/Getty
Politics News Michael Ertel
Florida Secretary of State Resigns After Blackface “Katrina Victim” Photos Surface

Florida Secretary of State Michael Ertel resigned Thursday after photos of Ertel partying in blackface were revealed publicly.

“I am submitting my resignation as Florida Secretary of State effective immediately,” Ertel wrote in an email to Florida governor Ron DeSantis. “It has been an honor to serve you and the voters of Florida.” DeSantis’ office has confirmed their approval of this resignation.

The photos of interest, obtained by the Tallahassee Democrat, document a private Halloween party from 2005. In the photos, Ertel poses as a victim of Hurricane Katrina with full blackface, red lipstick, a New Orleans Saints bandana, fake breasts and earrings. At the time, Ertel was serving as supervisor of elections in Seminole County. Hurricane Katrina had torn its devastating path through New Orleans just two months prior, resulting in the deaths of 1,800 people and displacing countless others.

Deputy Secretary of State Jennifer Kennedy has been tapped by DeSantis as interim following Ertel’s resignation.

 
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