University of Wisconsin slams fan’s Obama-in-a-noose costume at game
MADISON, Wis. - The University of Wisconsin says it asked a pair of fans wearing what appeared to be a President Barack Obama mask and a noose around his neck to remove the offensive parts of the costume during the school’s football game on Saturday night against Nebraska.
A picture circulating on social media showed the fan in a black-and-white jumpsuit, wearing the mask, the noose and a sign on his chest. Another person appeared to be holding up the rope of the noose.
At the @UWBadgers game and there is a man with a mask of President Obama and a noose. This is racism, why was this allowed into the stadium? pic.twitter.com/zKEqhdDYny
— 😏 (@woahohkatie) October 29, 2016
The fans complied when guest services staff asked to remove the offensive parts of the costume, according to a school statement. However, online video shows the pair exiting the stadium altogether.
University policy does not allow fans to wear masks while entering the stadium, but they are allowed to wear them once inside.
The school said the costume, “while repugnant and counter to the values of the university and athletic department, was an exercise of the individual’s right to free speech.”
Wisconsin says it also exercised its right to ask the fan to remove the offensive parts of the costume.
After they were asked to leave, video on social media appears to show the duo exiting the stadium dressed with one person wearing a Donald Trump mask holding the end of the noose still tied around the neck of the person wearing a Hillary Clinton mask.
It APPEARS the men were first asked to removed the Obama mask then asked to leave. This was their exit... pic.twitter.com/Xv1UxMOfaW
— 😏 (@woahohkatie) October 30, 2016
The game itself was a thriller for Badgers fans, as their team won 23-17 against the Huskers in overtime.