Boston's Democratic Mayor, Michelle Wu, has issued an apology following backlash over a holiday party invitation that was perceived as racially exclusive.
The controversy arose when an invitation to an "Electeds of Color Holiday Party" was extended to all members of the Boston City Council, despite seven of the council members being White.
Wu clarified on Wednesday that the invitation was not intended for the White council members, and their invitations were subsequently withdrawn approximately 15 minutes after the initial email was dispatched. "We had individual conversations with everyone so people understand that it was truly just an honest mistake that went out in typing the email field," Wu explained to the press.
The Mayor likened the incident to a common email error, stating, "I think we've all been in a position at one point where an email went out, and there was a mistake in the recipient," as reported by WCVB Boston. Wu further emphasized her commitment to inclusivity, stating, "It is my intention that we can, again, be a city that lives our values and create space for all kinds of communities to come together."
Despite the controversy, the minority-only party proceeded as scheduled on Wednesday. Wu's office has also announced plans to host a separate event for all elected officials and cabinet members on a different day. The Mayor defended the event, stating, "I've been a part of a group that gathers, representing elected officials of color across all different levels of government in Massachusetts. A group that has been in place for more than a decade, and the opportunity to create a space for people to celebrate and rotate who hosts."
Denise DosSantos, Wu's aide who sent the initial invitation, also sought to rectify the situation with a follow-up email. "I wanted to apologize for my previous email regarding a Holiday Party for tomorrow," DosSantos wrote. "I did send that to everyone by accident, and I apologize if my email may have offended or came across as so. Sorry for any confusion this may have caused."
The invitation was criticized by a White council member as "unfortunate and divisive," according to the Boston Herald. However, Black City Councilor Brian Worrell defended the invitation, suggesting it was a representation of "all kinds of special groups" within Boston's government.
Login