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.
Allegations of Frequenting an Adult Store
Earlier this week, The Assembly, a North Carolina website, reported allegations 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, said that Robinson would frequent the store up to five nights a week, renting videos or previewing them in private booths.
North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson at a campaign rally in Asheville, North Carolina, August 24, 2024. Robinson has made numerous controversial statements in the past.
Matt Rourke/ASSOCIATED PRESS
Five other individuals corroborated Money’s account in the piece, stating 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-rick 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.
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 as “hogwash.” He has also made inflammatory comments about films like Black Panther, which he said was made by “an agnostic Jew and put to film by satanic Marxists.” 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.
As part of this report, Newsweek contacted Mark Robinson‘s campaign via online form, offering him the opportunity to respond to these controversies. At the time of publication, no response has been received. We will update the article if and when Robinson or his team provide a statement.
