A local Republican leader in Kentucky is facing widespread condemnation after sharing a social media video that depicted former US President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, as apes.

The post, shared by Bobbie Coleman, chairwoman of the Hardin County Republican Party, has been described as “vile and reprehensible” by Robert J. Benvenuti III, chairman of the Republican Party of Kentucky.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Benvenuti said the party was investigating the incident and pledged the “harshest action available to us” against those responsible.

“The Republican Party of Kentucky condemns hate in all its forms,” he said.

Coleman confirmed that she had shared the video on the local party’s Facebook page before deleting it and issuing an apology.

“As someone who does not engage with racist tropes, I did not consider the underlying meaning that this video may have had,” she wrote in a follow-up post. “I am not racist and any suggestion to the contrary does not reflect my values or character.”

The video, which has since been removed, portrayed Barack and Michelle Obama as apes dancing to a song from Disney’s The Lion King. Other Democratic figures were shown as animals, while former President Donald Trump was depicted as a lion.

Coleman said she viewed the video as a light-hearted celebration of what she described as Trump’s policy successes, including tax cuts, increased border security, and an Israel–Hamas ceasefire and hostage deal.

“I thought this video was a silly way to celebrate the policy victories of the past nine months,” she said.

The Kentucky Republican Party has not specified what disciplinary measures may be taken. Adam Hope, the party’s communications director, said the matter was being addressed and that “necessary steps” would be taken to ensure accountability.

The controversy has drawn attention to Daniel Cameron, one of Kentucky’s most prominent Republicans and a leading candidate to succeed retiring Senator Mitch McConnell in 2026. Cameron, who is Black, grew up in Elizabethtown — the seat of Hardin County, roughly 50 miles south of Louisville.

With inputs from AP