Social Media Controversy Prompts Withdrawal Of Council Candidate

SOUTH WINDSOR, CT — Republican Town Council candidate Adam Wood has withdrawn from the 2021 campaign, after more than a dozen posts on his Instagram account were cited as being racist, anti-Semitic, misogynistic and pornographic.

The majority of the posts to Wood's account "theinstantclassic80" were from 2017, though one was from late 2016 and another from 2020. The account, active Monday morning, had been removed as of Monday afternoon.

The posts "clearly demonstrate a lack of character and integrity, as well as raise grave concerns about his ability to hold public office," Democratic leaders said in a written statement.

One of the posts depicted a sexual act considered demeaning to women, on which Wood himself subsequently commented, "We've all been there." Another showed former Nazi Germany dictator Adolf Hitler, but described him as "a Charlie Chaplin cosplayer."

"No candidate running for office should have a social media feed that looks like this," Mayor Andrew Paterna said. "In fact, no adult should. I take deep offense at the racial stereotypes, anti-Semitic and overtly misogynistic posts by Mr. Wood. It raises concerns about his suitability for any public office, he should withdraw his name from the ballot."

Deputy Mayor Liz Pendleton said, "These posts are completely disgusting, nauseating, and warrant disqualification. As a veteran, I am livid to see these disrespectful views from someone who also wore the uniform of the United States military. He should be ashamed and withdraw from the campaign immediately."

Patch emailed Wood before 9:30 a.m. Monday seeking comment. As of 12:45 p.m. Tuesday, he had not yet responded.

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