Georgia Representative Mike Collins, a Republican, is again facing criticism on social media after making a joke about Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Kennedy family.
Collins on Wednesday afternoon posted on X, formerly Twitter, "You either die a Kennedy with a hole in the brain or live long enough to become a Kennedy with a hole in the brain."
Collins was taken to task for alluding to the bizarre admission by Kennedy, an independent presidential candidate, that he had a brain worm more than 10 years ago. In addition, Kennedy's father, former Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and his uncle, former President John F. Kennedy, were both killed by an assassin's bullet—and both shot in the head—in the 1960s.
Attorney Bradley P. Moss responded on X, "Congressman, this is disgusting. Absolutely disgusting. What is wrong with you?"
Jenna Ellis, a former Donald Trump lawyer, replied to Collins on X, "No. Just ..... no."
Conservative columnist Quinn Hyler replied on X, "THIS IS SICK. HOW DARE YOU?"
Journalist Mike Hardwood reposted Collins' joke attempt with a one-word response on X: "Repugnant."
The congressman's post had been viewed over 2.8 million times with nearly 9,000 replies in just under four hours.
Newsweek reached out to Collins' office and Kennedy's campaign Wednesday afternoon via email for additional comment.
Earlier this week, Collins partially changed his tune after originally expressing support on X for a group of college students pushing back against pro-Palestinian protesters, including one who engaged in actions described by viewers as racist.
Collins issued a statement on Monday afternoon clarifying his views after a video seen over 20 million times on X appeared to show a white student making monkey noises at a Black student during a protest against Israel last week at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) last week.
The student in question, who was later kicked out of his fraternity, appeared to heckle and make monkey noises and gestures toward a Black protester. Collins reposted the video on May 3 on his X page, with the caption: "Ole Miss taking care of business."
Update: 5/8/2024, 5:51 p.m.: This story has been updated with additional information.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
fairness meter
To Rate This Article
About the writer
Gabe Whisnant is Deputy Weekend Editor at Newsweek based in South Carolina. Prior to joining Newsweek in 2023, he directed ... Read more
