Detroit Democrat under fire for calling Asian opponent 'ching-chang' in anti-immigrant rant

Detroit residents are calling for Rep. Bettie Cook Scott (D-Detroit) to publicly apologize to her primary election opponent Rep. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) after she made racially insensitive comments about her Asian heritage, reported the Metro Times.

While at the polling precinct Scott told voters not to vote for "ching-chang." She allegedly called Chang's volunteers "immigrants" who "don't belong in the country."

"These comments are offensive to all Asian-Americans," Chang told the Metro Times. "It isn't about me. It's about an elected official disrespecting entire populations."

Chang's husband, Sean Gray, overheard the racial remarks. Gray, a black man, said Scott called him a "fool" for marrying an Asian woman.

"[It] disgusts [me] seeing black people holding signs for these Asians and not supporting their own people," Scott said according to Gray.

Multiple organizations have stood in solidarity against Scott's remarks, including the Association of Chinese Americans, the African Bureau of Immigration & Social Affairs, American Citizens for Justice, the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation, and Equality Michigan.

"No elected official or candidate for office, regardless of political affiliation, should use stereotypical imagery or language. The use of these stereotypes is counter to the progress our country has made over past decades to encourage respect for all communities," Asian & Pacific Islander American Vote said in a statement.

Scott did not respond to a request for comment. During last Tuesday's primary election, Scott lost with 11 percent of the vote. Chang won the election with 49 percent of the vote.