Clark Mayor Issues Video Apology For Offensive Language

CLARK, NJ — Mayor Sal Bonaccorso apologized to the community via video message after a secret recording of him using racial slurs was released last week.

"I'm here today to say I've made mistakes, and I'd like to apologize for the pain I caused to the residents of Clark, my family, my friends and all those that were offended by my comments," Bonaccorso said.

In the secret recording that police Lieutenant Antonia Manata brought forward to the township two years ago, Bonaccorso, as well as two top-ranking police officials, refer to Black people as "shines," "spooks" and the N-word. This recording was recently made public after NJ.com published its investigation last week.

NJ.com also found that the township paid Manata $400K to avoid a public lawsuit.

Read more: Clark Officials Paid $400K To Hide Racial Slurs Said By Mayor: Report

Bonaccorso did not mention this inside deal in his video apology that was published on Tuesday.

"I deeply apologize for my hurtful and insensitive language," Bonaccorso said in the video. "It was wrong, I am embarrassed and ashamed to have spoken that way about a race of people. I've learned and I have changed, and it will not happen again."

Many local leaders, including Plainfield Mayor Adrian Mapp, as well as Gov. Phil Murphy have condemned Bonaccorso's language and have called for him to resign.

Bonaccorso made no mention of resigning in his message to the community. However, the mayor said he will be working with Mark Bullock — a Rahway resident and CEO of the nonprofit New Life CDC — to "continue his learning" surrounding issues of racism, as well as "contribute to communities and bring people together."

New Life CDC is an organization that provides relief, cultivates restoration and invests in neighborhoods where poor and marginalized groups live.

"I look forward to working to change the perception of myself and of Clark, ..." Bonaccorso said. "We will come to understand that Clark is a loving, caring community that accepts everyone."

The mayor's full message can be viewed on the town's YouTube page below:

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