Memphis Mayor Paul Young, in a cryptic Instagram post, responded to online chatter alleging he is a "sellout."
In the Sept. 16 post, Young said, "I have seen a number of misinformed, silly a** posts trying to paint me as a sellout the past few days. PY from Oakhaven wants to respond (because I have plenty to clap back with), but the God in me says to stay focused and keep doing the work."
He also attached Young Dolph's song "Preach" to the post.
Young is expected to fundraise for his reelection campaign at an event in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 17. The fundraiser will be held during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Legislative Conference, according to promotional information for the event.
The social media activity comes the morning after
a particularly contentious Memphis City Council meeting.
Dozens of residents gave public comments on various issues, including the recent ICE raid in Berclair where 121 people were detained, and a proposed ban on data center development that is seemingly stalling. Several members of the public called out elected officials by name in their remarks, including some comments directed at Young.
In a few instances, Chairwoman Jana Swearengen-Washington cut off the speakers' microphones, saying she would not allow speech insulting elected officials.
One woman was escorted out of the chambers by law enforcement for what Swearengen-Washington said was disorderly conduct. The woman had been protesting her microphone being muted, effectively ending her public comment period early.
Communications staff for Young's administration did not respond to a request for comment about whether his account had been hacked.
Annie Goldman covers government for The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at annie.goldman@commercialappeal.com or 901-930-7431, and followed on X @AnnieSGoldman.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis mayor goes on Instagram rant, calls out 'misinformed' posts
