'Ape in heels': West Virginia officials under fire after racist post against Michelle Obama

The director of a West Virginia development group and a mayor are under scrutiny after a racist post about first lady Michelle Obama caused a backlash and prompted calls on social media for both women to be fired.

Clay County Development Corp director Pamela Ramsey Taylor made the post following Donald Trump's election as president.

Her post said, "It will be refreshing to have a classy, beautiful, dignified First Lady in the White House. I'm tired of seeing a Ape in heels." Clay Mayor Beverly Whaling responded, "Just made my day Pam."

When Clay County, WV, Development Corp Director Pam Taylor called #FLOTUS Michelle Obama an "ape in heels," it made the mayor's day! pic.twitter.com/USiZrsXEC9

— Bryan Dawson (@BryanDawsonUSA) November 15, 2016

The post, first reported by WSAZ-TV, was later deleted. It was shared hundreds of times on social media.

A call to the Clay County Development Corp went unanswered and Whaling didn't immediately return a telephone message today.