Mark Robinson, the Republican nominee for governor of North Carolina, faces scrutiny over comments made on a pornography website message board over a decade ago. According to a CNN KFile investigation, Robinson referred to himself as a “black NAZI!” and expressed support for the reinstatement of slavery.
Robinson, known for his socially conservative stance, is alleged to have made these comments between 2008 and 2012 under the username “minisoldr” on the website “Nude Africa.” The username was identified as Robinson through biographical details and a shared email address. Robinson, currently the Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina, denied making these comments, calling them “salacious tabloid lies.”
The comments contradict many of Robinson’s public positions on key issues. Although he has publicly opposed transgender rights, insisting that individuals should use bathrooms corresponding to their birth gender, Robinson allegedly expressed enjoyment in watching transgender pornography on the forum. He also referred to himself as a “perv” in these posts.
In one highly graphic post, Robinson detailed his sexual arousal from watching women in public gym showers as a teenager. He recounted this memory with apparent fondness, which greatly contrasts with his political persona.
During his interview with CNN, Robinson shifted the conversation to political issues in North Carolina and attacked his opponent, Democrat Josh Stein. He stated, “We are not getting out of this race. There are people who are counting on us to win this race.”
Robinson’s controversial remarks extend beyond the pornography forum. Campaigning for lieutenant governor in 2020, he advocated for a complete abortion ban without exceptions. However, as “minisoldr,” he expressed indifference towards a celebrity’s abortion. He has also made derogatory comments about civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., Jews, Muslims, and the LGBTQ+ community.
Identifying Robinson as “minisoldr” was supported by a range of details. The username was associated with posts mentioning Robinson’s personal history, including his marriage, residence in Greensboro, North Carolina, and service in the Army in the 1980s. Both Robinson and “minisoldr” discussed similar topics online, such as remote-controlled helicopters and certain television shows.
Additionally, the email address tied to the “minisoldr” account on Nude Africa matched the one Robinson used elsewhere on the internet. This connection was further corroborated by reviews and comments shared on other platforms under the same username.
Robinson’s use of uncommon phrases like “gag a maggot” and “dunder head” on both his personal and “minisoldr” accounts further linked him to the controversial posts. Despite facing backlash for his remarks, Robinson has the endorsement of former President Donald Trump and the North Carolina Republican Party.
However, recent polling indicates that he is trailing behind his opponent, Democrat Josh Stein. Robinson’s past remarks, including mocking school shooting survivors and advocating extreme positions on abortion and civil rights, are proving to be significant hurdles in his gubernatorial campaign.
Robinson’s controversial online comments have brought his candidacy under intense scrutiny. Despite his denials and efforts to focus on political issues, the revelations pose a challenge for his campaign. With the endorsement of significant political figures, Robinson remains a contentious figure in the race for governor of North Carolina.
