Charlotte Lucas, the Indiana businesswoman who started Lucas Oil in 1989 with her husband Forrest Lucas, recently posted a vitriolic statement on social media that has landed her in hot water with media outlets. The Facebook post made by Charlotte Lucas, the current executive president of Lucas Oil Products, ranted against minorities telling the majority what to do.
In the post, Lucas writes, “I’m sick and tired of minorities running our country! As far as I’m concerned, I don’t think the atheists (minority), muslims [sic] (minority) or any other minority groups has the right to tell the majority of the people in the United States what they can and cannot do here. Is everyone so scared that they can’t fight back for what is right or wrong with this country?”
When asked for further comment on the matter, Lucas told WRTV reporter Rafael Sanchez that, “I was very upset when I wrote that. I will not elaborate other than to say that there are certain people who are trying to make the whole world eat what they want to eat and do what they want to do. I don’t think it’s any of their business what I put in my mouth. Thank you.”
Later, however, Lucas offered a more official apology in a statement, writing, “I apologize to everyone for the insensitive comments posted on my Facebook account. My comments did not reflect my personal views about any individual or minority group, only my frustration that our government system sometimes seems out of balance. We live in a great country, but the agenda for our elected officials is too often dictated by special interest groups. My comments did not reflect my true feelings, and I am sorry for anyone who may have been offended.”
An attorney for Lucas Oil Products also wrote in a separate statement on the matter, “Actions speak louder than words. Lucas Oil is a small, family-owned, American company that prides itself on being a highly integrated and diverse organization with a great sense of community. We provide significant financial support for a broad range of organizations that serve the needs of veterans, women, other minority groups, and disadvantaged individuals throughout the United States. Fairness and equality are core values of our company.”
Earlier in 2014, Lucas received a Spirit Award, given for philanthropic acts in the Indianapolis area, from the Madame Walker Theatre. The company which bears her name recently paid $122 million for the naming rights to the Indianapolis Colts’ stadium.