A Brooklyn Assembly staffer has been fired over anti-Asian comments she made about the coronavirus. Assemblywoman Mathylde Frontus let go of Marilyn Franks on Wednesday, according to The New York Daily News.
Franks, a receptionist for Frontus, posted a Facebook status encouraging people to avoid Chinese restaurants, supermarkets and shops amidst the coronavirus.
“We urge citizens to stay away from Chinese supermarkets, shops, fast food outlets, Restaurant, and Business,” Franks wrote in her post. “Most of the owners went back to China to celebrate the Chinese New [Year] Celebrations. They are returning and some are bringing along the Coronavirus. Rather be safe than sorry.”
Frontus spokesman Jacob Goldfinger says the assemblywoman “absolutely condemns all xenophobic statements.” Her staff will undergo sensitivity training.
The Brooklyn borough community board member who believed Frontus should not have apologized is also on his way out. Board member posted his own anti-Asian rant on Tuesday, according to The New York Daily News.
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“Ms. Frontus should not have apologize [sic] but as a stateswoman she did … These Chinese restaurants in our community make millions of dollars off us,” Stewart wrote on social media. “They don’t hire us; don’t donate to any of our events and express racism against us.
Stewart was appointed to the board by Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams. On Tuesday Adams, took to Twitter to condemn Stewart’s comments while many called for his removal.
On Wednesday, Adams announced that Stewart will not be reappointed. His last day serving on the board will be March 31.
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