(CNN) - Republican Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona apologized Wednesday for his son's use of racial epithets, homophobic slurs and anti-Semitic remarks in social media.
"I'm very disappointed in my teenage son's words, and I sincerely apologize for the insensitivity," the first-term senator, who was elected last year, said in a statement. "This language is unacceptable, anywhere. Needless to say, I've already spoken with him about this, he has apologized, and I apologize as well."
BuzzFeed reported earlier in the day that Flake's high school-aged son Tanner used the controversial terms on Twitter and as a username for online games.
Tanner has since made his Twitter account private, but BuzzFeed took screen-grabs of some of his controversial tweets.
Flake and his two of his sons, including Tanner, made headlines last week after posting video from their recent survivalist expedition on a deserted island in the Pacific.
- CNN's Ted Barrett and Ashley Killough contributed to this report.
He's a flake.
He learned it at home.......
like father, like son because the apple does not fall far from the tree,
like father, like son
Really senator, where do you think he learned this behavior? Kids mirror their parents so now we have clear insight into what is taught in your home...not surprised, the GOP seems to be waging war on women and minorities.
the Apple never falls to far from the tree...
And it is amazing how our children tend to repeat what they hear from their parents at home.
Gotta love how GOP members instill their virtues in their offspring. They're not sorry, just sorry they got caught, typical right-wing filth.
Where did your son get this nonsense from? You of course – you should be proud of him calling you out.
Flake,republican or not has a kid,big deal...You think he's the only politician with kids who has problems,what about Bushs daughters and their partying using alcohol,drugs and chasing boys..Don't yah think ole Bush was worried about a knocked up daughter while president,I bet he did many a time...So I'm a democratic father of two boys and trust me boys will be boys they're not all perfect but they are your kids so give them space and hopefully maturity will prevail or kick their asses either one isn't always a sucess let me tell yah!!
Senator Flake can apologize for his son all he likes bur the fact is that he raised his son and the son picked up his racist views from somewhere. And it is hard to see how that somewhere could be any place other than his home.
Another person on social media site..showing who they really are...sad thing internet is good in one aspect..info..etc..but bad in another...
Typical HATE FILLED children of hate filled adults.
"I'm very disappointed in my teenage son's words, and I sincerely apologize for the insensitivity," the first-term senator, who was elected last year, said in a statement. "This language is unacceptable, anywhere. Needless to say, I've already spoken with him about this, he has apologized, and I apologize as well."
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You raised him and his attitudes are a reflection of you.
Sorry Mr. Flake, but our children are a reflection of ourselves. You raised him, sir.
Hmmph! He's apologized, so it's over. IOKIYAR.
Reminds of the birther remark Mitt Romney's youngest son made on the campaign trail.
Family Values .
In an adventure worthy of the TV show "Survivor," Sen. Jeff Flake and two of his sons marooned themselves on a deserted island in the Pacific last week during the Senate's week off.
The Party of flag-waving, Bible-thumping, gun-toting family values being who they wanna be.
thanks to all who pointed out that racial views are created in the home and are set by about 12 years. so yes we know what he heard at home
Flake's racism exposed by his son. Flake's apology is as phony as Flake.
Come on guys! He doesn't have to learn it from home or parents! You know how these kids are nowadays, .. products of media, social networks, and the list goes on and on! One thing is for sure; the little brat needs to make atrip to Harlem, Israel and San Fransisco to learn tolerance! One month in each of the places listed!
BillC
Come on guys! He doesn't have to learn it from home or parents! You know how these kids are nowadays, .. products of media, social networks, and the list goes on and on!
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Sounds like something the parent of a little jerk would say. They're the same people who won't permit their children to associate with kids outside their own narrow little scope because they're a "bad influence", and who blame other kids when their kids get into trouble. You know the type – a young girl claims that their "perfect" son is the father of her unborn child, and the parents whine that "that girl got HERSELF pregnant".