'You pander so hard': Flame-throwing MAGA candidate burned for 'weak and gay' comment
A controversial MAGA candidate faced an angry backlash from fans of a rap artist whose song appeared, possibly without permission, in a campaign video that told viewers "don't be weak and gay."
Missouri GOP Secretary of State candidate Valentina Gomez wears what looks like a bulletproof vest as she runs to the 2010 Lupe Fiasco song "The Show Goes On" in the campaign video posted Tuesday.
"In America, you can be anything you want," Gomez says. "Stay f---ing hard."
The video then cuts to Gomez, a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump, holding a large gun. Gomez tagged influencer Andrew Tate, a self-described misogynist influencer who faces rape and human trafficking charges in Romania.
Minutes later, the rap artist posted a cryptic message on X: "We are aware and currently taking action."
Lupe Fiasco has publicly condemned anti-LGBTQ speech, writing in 2014, "You should not use words like 'fa----' it's derogatory and unacceptable...no room for homophobia in hip hop."
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This is not Gomez's first time pairing homophobic messaging with assault weapons. Earlier this year she filmed herself burning LGBTQ books with a flamethrower.
"This is what I will do to the grooming books when I am Secretary of State," Gomez said in the video. "These books come from a Missouri public library," she added. "When I'm in office, they will burn."
Gomez's latest video spurred outrage and ridicule from followers.
Attorney Anthony Michael Kries quipped Gomez had unwittingly identified his personal style with her "weak and gay" comment.
"My brand," he tweeted, "because I am unable to say no to my friends when they say 'come out, it’s summer. It’s not like you have to teach tomorrow.'"
"Not the flex you think it is," wrote X user Travis Matthew. "Have the day you deserve."
"You can be anything you want," parodied X user @theycallmeshwaz. "Also, here's something I've decided you cant be."
"When you pander so hard it has to be satire… but it’s not," replied Mike Scantlin.
Lupe, however, earned praise.
" Nah," X user Mimo Music replied. "Lupe said not on his watch."