Tim Sheehy Faces Backlash Over Racist Comments: Montana Tribal Leaders Demand Action

For five days, Republican Senate candidate Tim Sheehy has remained silent as more Montana tribal leaders criticize his racist comments about the Crow Tribe and call for an apology. Levi Black Eagle, the Crow Tribe’s secretary, told HuffPost that an apology now would be insufficient.

Black Eagle said, I think the time for an apology may have passed. Any apology now might not be sincere and could just be for show. It wouldn’t fix the damage done. He perpetuated harmful stereotypes, and there’s no excuse for that.

Sheehy, a wealthy businessman and former Navy SEAL, made derogatory remarks about Native Americans and alcoholism during private events in November 2023. Recordings of his comments, first reported by Char-Koosta News, include him making offensive jokes about drinking on the Crow Reservation and claiming tribal members threw beer cans at him during the Crow Fair parade.

Black Eagle called Sheehy’s remarks appalling, disheartening, disturbing, and disgusting. He recalled seeing Sheehy at the Crow Fair but noted that the event was meant to showcase the tribe’s pride and culture, not to be mocked.

Sheehy’s campaign has not responded to requests for comment. Footage from the 2023 Crow Fair parade shows Sheehy and Governor Greg Gianforte on horseback, with no beer cans thrown.

Black Eagle said Sheehy’s comments are particularly damaging because they play into old, false stereotypes. He emphasized that Crow ranchers and farmers are hardworking individuals, and such remarks are disrespectful.

Despite the controversy, Sheehy leads in polls against Democratic Senator Jon Tester. Native Americans, who make up about 6% of Montana’s population and are a significant voting bloc, might be affected by Sheehy’s actions.

Sheehy, originally from Minnesota, moved to Montana in 2014 and was encouraged to run by Republican leaders due to his ability to fund his own campaign.