Cliven Bundy Faces Backlash After Slavery Remarks

A rancher from Nevada faced all sorts of negative reactions after making a comment about African Americans.

Cliven Bundy won the hearts and support of many in his battle against the government over grazing rights. However, the now famous rancher is facing backlash after he allegedly made racist remarks about blacks.

The rancher reportedly said that blacks were "better off as slaves," says the Los Angeles Times. According to ABC News, supporters and defenders of Bundy almost instantly voiced out their comments with regards to the slavery remarks.

"His remarks on race are offensive, and I wholeheartedly disagree with him," ABC News quotes Paul, a Kentucky senator.

The Los Angeles Times reports that Senator Dean Heller also "completely disagrees with Bundy's appalling and racist statements and condemns them in the most strenuous way."

However, some supporters of Bundy maintain that the rancher was only taken out of context. The Los Angeles Times quotes Brandon Rapolla who said: "His statements were not a criticism of blacks. They criticized the federal government. I've met the Bundys, and that's not who they are."

"There are new rumors going around about Cliven. We all know that with the media, words are taken out of context, meanings are twisted, and they can take anything and turn it into what they want it to be. Cliven is a good man, he loves all people, he is not a racist man. He wants what is best for everyone," posts Bundy Ranch's Facebook account.

According to the New York Times, Bundy addressed the backlash in a news conference, Thursday, by echoing what he has previously said.

"Cliven Bundy's a-wondering about these people, now I'm talking about the black community, I'm a-wondering, Are they better off with their young women aborting their children, are they better off with their young men in prison, and are they better off with the older people on the sidewalks in front of their government-issued homes?"

Watch the controversial interview in the video below.