New Revelations Raise Questions About Robinson’s Online Activity Amid Republican Turmoil
Emerging information has intensified scrutiny on North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson and his alleged connections to explicit content on online platforms. Top Republican officials are urging Robinson to substantiate his claims of innocence regarding salacious posts linked to him on a pornography website, as evidence continues to accumulate suggesting his potential involvement in the very online behavior he publicly denies.
Connections to Explicit Online Content
Investigative findings from POLITICO reveal that the account identified as “Nude Africa,” purportedly associated with Robinson, was accessed from a location in proximity to his residence. Further investigation uncovered that Robinson’s email address is also linked to unreported accounts on several dating sites, including the notorious Ashley Madison, which caters to married individuals seeking extramarital affairs. In the wake of these revelations, Robinson's campaign has suffered significant setbacks, with nearly all of his senior advisors resigning over the weekend.
Denials Amidst Growing Evidence
Robinson has vehemently denied claims made by CNN regarding his past admissions, including self-identifying as a “black NAZI,” expressing enjoyment of transgender pornography, and making explicit remarks about sexual preferences on the “Nude Africa” platform over a decade ago. He has also dismissed POLITICO's findings suggesting he had an account on Ashley Madison, despite the mounting evidence pointing to his involvement in various online sexual activities.
An extensive review by POLITICO of data associated with Robinson’s email—gleaned from various websites compromised in data breaches—highlights that the IP address linked to his Nude Africa account is registered in the Piedmont Triad area, where he resides. This information was provided by Megan Squire, a computer scientist and deputy director for data analytics at the Southern Poverty Law Center. Squire has monitored Robinson’s statements and actions, noting the troubling nature of his public comments.
IP Address Evidence and Data Breaches
The breached data indicates that Robinson’s account on the pornographic forum was registered with an IP address traced back to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, located near his home in Greensboro. This same IP address was identified in user data breaches for a dating account connected to Robinson’s email on the site Fling. Additionally, leaked data reveals that his email is tied to other dating websites, including Adult Friend Finder and Mate 1, along with the now-defunct Lords of Porno. Although there is no current evidence of activity on these platforms, the last recorded visit to Adult Friend Finder was noted as December 31, 2013.
Despite the mounting evidence, Robinson expressed disbelief regarding the accusations during a CNN interview, stating, “The things that people can do with the internet now is incredible,” and maintaining that he is not behind the posts in question. His insistence raises questions about the veracity of his denials in light of the data linking him to these accounts.
Password Similarities Raise Red Flags
The data breaches also revealed that the password used for Robinson’s Nude Africa account closely resembled one used across multiple accounts registered under his wife’s email, highlighting a potential connection that raises further questions. This similarity has prompted analysts and political observers to scrutinize Robinson’s explanations more closely.
Political Fallout and Calls for Transparency
Robinson’s spokesperson, Mike Lonergan, has reiterated the campaign’s stance that the lieutenant governor “never created or used an account on any of these websites,” indicating that they are pursuing legal avenues to investigate the allegations. This statement, however, contrasts sharply with the demands from prominent North Carolina Republicans for transparency and accountability.
Amidst this controversy, key Republican leaders in North Carolina, including Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd, have called for Robinson to produce evidence disproving the claims against him. Tillis remarked, “If the reporting on Mark Robinson is a total media fabrication, he needs to take immediate legal action.” This sentiment reflects growing concerns within the party regarding Robinson's ability to maintain support and credibility among voters.
North Carolina Republican Party chair Jason Simmons expressed concern over the troubling accusations directed at Robinson, emphasizing the need for clarity to the constituents of North Carolina. Notably, Robinson has yet to file any lawsuits regarding these allegations. During a campaign stop, he indicated that he is contemplating legal action against CNN for its reporting.
Former President Trump’s Silence and Political Support Erosion
Former President Donald Trump, who endorsed Robinson during the Republican primary, has remained conspicuously silent, refraining from mentioning him during recent appearances, including a rally in Wilmington. Meanwhile, the Republican Governors Association (RGA) has confirmed it has no current advertising commitments for Robinson, following significant ad spending in the race, leaving him without scheduled television promotions.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has withdrawn his support for Robinson, as confirmed by his spokesperson. This shift marks a significant political setback for Robinson, as endorsements from prominent Republican figures are crucial for campaign momentum. Additionally, Senator JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, joined calls from North Carolina Republican leaders for Robinson to clarify the allegations against him without demanding his resignation. Vance stated, “Mark Robinson says that those statements are false, that he didn’t actually speak them. I think it’s up to Mark Robinson to make his case to the people of North Carolina that those weren’t his statements and I’m going to let him make that case.”
Campaign Turmoil and Future Prospects
As campaign turmoil unfolds, Robinson has continued to publicly downplay the reports, labeling them “garbage” while attending events such as the Fayetteville Motor Speedway. Despite the cancellation of at least two fundraisers, he remains slated to speak at an upcoming conservative Christian conference hosted by the North Carolina Faith & Freedom Coalition.
Robinson's campaign is at a critical juncture, with significant internal turnover and external pressures mounting. The implications for his campaign and his standing within the Republican Party remain uncertain. The need for clarity and accountability in the face of these allegations could determine the trajectory of his gubernatorial bid as he seeks to regain the trust of both his constituents and party members.
As this situation develops, observers will be closely monitoring Robinson's next moves, the potential for legal action, and the response from the broader Republican establishment as they navigate this challenging landscape.