Rep. Mike Collins, R-Ga., recently made controversial remarks about Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s claim that a doctor found a worm in his brain, bringing up the assassinations of his father, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy Sr., and his uncle, former President John F. Kennedy —adding to his streak of inflammatory tweets. Collins mocked Kennedy Jr., saying, “You either die a Kennedy with a hole in the brain or live long enough to become a Kennedy with a hole in the brain,” referencing the tragic assassinations of the family members in the 1960s.
Kennedy Jr. reportedly claimed in a 2012 deposition that a doctor found an abnormality on his brain scan to be caused by a worm that had entered his brain, eaten a portion of it, and died. Collins’ tweet appeared to allude to this statement, sparking further controversy. This is not the first time Collins has faced backlash for his social media activity, as last week he shared a video showing white, male Ole Miss students taunting a Black woman at a pro-Palestinian protest, with some making racist gestures. Despite criticism, Collins defended his actions, claiming the racist behavior was not the main focus of the video.
In previous tweets, Collins has made alarming remarks about undocumented migrants, suggesting that a Venezuelan accused of killing a college student should be killed, and making references to “Pinochet Air,” alluding to the controversial death flights used by Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet. He also made similar comments about another migrant charged in a Times Square attack on NYPD officers. These tweets have sparked outrage and further reinforced Collins’ reputation for controversial and offensive social media behavior.
Kennedy Jr.’s alleged health issues and the discovery of a worm in his brain came to light during divorce proceedings from his second wife. He mentioned cognitive problems, short- and long-term memory loss, which he claims to have since recovered from. His campaign spokesperson suggested that Kennedy Jr. may have contracted the parasite, possibly a pork tapeworm, while traveling extensively in Africa, South America, and Asia. The bizarre nature of Kennedy Jr.’s claim adds to the intrigue surrounding the controversial statements made by Collins.
The ongoing controversies involving Collins raise questions about the appropriateness of a public official making such inflammatory and offensive remarks on social media. Despite facing criticism for his behavior, Collins has remained steadfast in defending his actions, even when faced with accusations of promoting racist behavior and advocating for violence against migrants. The questionable tweets by Collins have shed light on the need for accountability and responsible communication by elected officials, especially in the age of social media where inflammatory statements can quickly spread and have a significant impact on public perception.
In conclusion, Rep. Mike Collins’ recent tweet mocking Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s alleged health issues, among other controversial social media posts, have once again thrust him into the spotlight for his inflammatory rhetoric. The stark contrast between the serious nature of Kennedy Jr.’s medical condition and Collins’ callous remarks underscores the need for more responsible communication by public officials. The ongoing controversies surrounding Collins raise concerns about the impact of such behavior on public discourse and the need for accountability in political leadership.
