An Air Force sergeant is under investigation after ranting about lower-ranking “black females” in a Facebook video recorded at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.
In the video, Tech. Sgt. Geraldine Lovely uses no fewer than eleven iterations of the vulgar slang word “fuck”–largely as an exclamation to underscore her frustration with the allegedly bad attitudes of her subordinates who are female and black.
This sergeant is under investigation for ranting against "black females." Read more at: https://t.co/h5luJmfFIZ pic.twitter.com/VgupHAuPvt
— Law & Crime Network (@LawCrimeNetwork) January 30, 2018
As Lovely directly addresses the camera in camouflage bearing her name, she says:
Fucking issues with my airmen and my NCOs [non-commissioned officers] that are lower-ranking than me, but they’re black females. And it pisses me the fuck off that they have no fucking respect and constantly having an attitude. And what the fuck is up with that?! Like, I’m trying my best to hold my professionalism with them but good god, they have no fucking respect whatsoever.
The minute-and-a-half-long video continues, “Every time I talk to them, ‘No ma’am,’ it’s just like they’re talking down to me. And I—I’m trying to tread lightly as a higher-ranking NCO not to fucking blow the fuck up and start a fight club because—but I’m over it. Why is that? Why is it that every time I encounter my subordinates that are black females they have a giant, fucking attitude?”
Her feelings on full display, Lovely finishes up her now-viral rant. She says, “And it’s not like I’m coming to them with a fucking attitude. I don’t. But every time I fucking talk to them? It’s like I’m just some fucking stupid ass girl that doesn’t even—what is that called? Like I don’t even deserve to be talked to as a person? Ugh.”
As of this writing, Lovely’s video has been viewed in excess of 1.2 million times–prompting no small amount of outrage and, as mentioned, an official investigation into her conduct.
An official statement released by Nellis Air Force Base reads, in its entirety,
TSgt Geraldine Lovely, a member of the 99th Force Support Squadron, has been removed from her supervisory role while leadership continue to gather facts regarding this incident. Leadership are exploring disciplinary actions and are checking to see if this is a broader issue on the base. While the actions of this individual are inappropriate and unacceptable, we are using this unfortunate situation to continue a dialogue with our Airmen about the topic of good order and discipline, as well as adherence to the Air Force Core Values.
An additional statement from Major Chris Sukach, with Nellis Public Affairs, reads, “This is inappropriate and unacceptable behavior in today’s society & especially for anyone in uniform. Leadership is aware and is taking appropriate action.”
[image via screengrab; video courtesy Facebook/USAF]
Follow Colin Kalmbacher on Twitter: @colinkalmbacher
Have a tip we should know? [email protected]
