MUSKEGON, Mich. (AP) — A lawyer running for judge in western Michigan is apologizing after describing a black judge as an 800-pound “silverback” gorilla.
Eric Grimm, who is white, says the email about Muskegon County Judge Gregory Pittman was a “lapse of judgment.” He says he plans to perform 100 hours of community service to make up for it.
Grimm is one of five candidates running for probate judge in the Aug. 2 primary election. The two top finishers will advance to the fall election.
Grimm described Pittman as an 800-pound “silverback alpha male.” He says he was trying to talk about problems in the courthouse.
Pittman, who doesn’t face re-election this year, says he won’t comment on what he calls “bigoted remarks.”
