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By Flynn Nicholls and Matthew Robinson
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Mark Robinson, the current lieutenant governor of North Carolina and Republican candidate for governor, has found himself at the center of a number of controversies and salacious stories throughout his political career.
Known for his firebrand conservative views, his rise in politics has been marked by provocative remarks on social issues, hard line stances and, more recently, personal allegations.
As part of this report, Newsweek contacted Robinson's campaign via online form, offering him the opportunity to respond to the following allegations and controversies. At the time of publication, no response had been received. We will update the article if and when Robinson or his team provide a statement.
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Allegations of Frequenting an Adult Store
Earlier this month, allegations were reported from a former employee at an adult video store in Greensboro, North Carolina, who said that Robinson was a regular visitor during the 1990s and early 2000s.
The man, Louis Money, claimed that Robinson would frequent the store up to five nights a week, renting videos or previewing them in private booths, according to The Assembly, a North Carolina website.
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Five other individuals corroborated Money's account in the piece, claiming that Robinson was a familiar presence.
Robinson's campaign strongly denied the accounts, dismissing them as "bulls***."
In his memoir, We Are The Majority: The Life and Passions of a Patriot, Robinson said that he had financial irresponsibility during the period of time that Money is accounting, though he did not specifically reference anything related to these claims.
The allegations of frequenting the adult store were brought to light in a rap-rock music video from Money titled The Lt. Governor Owes Me Money, which he released in August alleging that Robinson did not pay him for one video he sold him.
Disturbing posts on pornography website
Robinson reportedly made a series of disturbing posts on a pornography website message board more than a decade ago, allegedly calling himself a "Black Nazi" and declaring that "slavery is not bad," CNN reported on Thursday.
The article identified Robinson as the person behind a username who posted on a message board for the website Nude Africa between 2008 and 2012.
Among the graphic comments CNN resurfaced, the person the outlet identified as Robinson said: "Slavery is not bad. Some people need to be slaves. I wish they would bring it (slavery) back. I would certainly buy a few."
He also allegedly wrote in 2012, during the Obama administration: "I'd take Hitler over any of the sh** that's in Washington right now!"
Meanwhile, in one 2010 post, Robinson allegedly wrote unprovoked: "I'm a black NAZI!"
Robinson denied that he was behind those posts to CNN. He also said in a video statement posted on his social media accounts, including X (formerly Twitter): "The things you will see in that story, those are not the words of Mark Robinson. You know my words, you know my character, and you know that I have been completely transparent in this race and before."
Robinson said that he was ready to defend himself and accused his opponents of trying to divert attention to "tabloid trash."
Newsweek reached out to Robinson's office for comment outside of normal working hours.
Past Controversial Comments
Robinson has faced criticism for a range of comments about various groups, including Muslims, Jews, transgender people and women.
Before entering politics, Robinson described "homosexuality" and "transgenderism" as "filth" and referred to Muslims as "invaders."
His rhetoric has also included derogatory statements about feminists and Martin Luther King Jr.
Perhaps one of his most controversial statements concerned the Holocaust, which he described in a 2018 Facebook post as "hogwash."
He has also made inflammatory comments about films like Black Panther, which he suggested was a ploy for Jewish people to take money from Black people.
These statements have drawn widespread backlash, especially from those in the Jewish and LGBTQ+ communities.
Abortion Stance
Robinson has been a vocal opponent of abortion, consistently referring to the practice as "murder" and "genocide."
However, in a campaign ad released in 2023, he revealed that his wife had undergone an abortion 30 years ago, which he described as a "difficult decision."
He has since expressed support for North Carolina's 12-week abortion law, which includes exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the mother.
Political Ramifications
The cumulative effect of Robinson's controversies has led to reports that some Republicans are concerned about his electability in a state that not only is electing a governor, but could play a key role in the presidential election.
The state has elected a Democratic governor in seven of the last eight races, but has gone for the Republican White House candidate in 10 of the last 11 races.
Polls have consistently shown Robinson trailing Democratic candidate Josh Stein, North Carolina's current attorney general. In recent surveys, Stein leads Robinson by margins ranging from 6 to 10 points.
Notably, Robinson struggles in the polls with women voters, who overwhelmingly favor Stein. While male voters are split more evenly, Robinson's controversial past may be hindering his appeal to key demographics.
Update 09/20/24, 6:28 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
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