Donald Trump's latest viral flap: 'Look at my African-American over here'

Social media gave Donald Trump a platform to communicate directly with millions of supporters (and the media).

Now, it's become a place where video of an offhand remark can rapidly hit maximum velocity, exposing him to critics as it goes viral.

Trump was captured at a rally in Redding, Calif., on Friday pointing out a black man in the crowd and declaring: "Oh, look at my African-American over here, look at him." The short clip quickly found its way onto Twitter.

A spokesperson for the Republican party's presumptive presidential nominee told CNN the remark was intended to acknowledge a supporter, adding "There's no ill will intended, obviously."

But that's not how the remark was interpreted, as critics quickly branded it as racist.

The comment came on a day when his likely Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton, turned to social media to lambaste Trump for asserting that the federal judge overseeing the lawsuit against Trump University is biased because of his Mexican heritage.

U.S. District Court Judge Gonzalo Curiel ordered the release internal documents — including the playbooks that advised sales personnel how to market courses on getting rich through real estate.

This article originally appeared on Recode.net.

We have a request

Vox's journalism is free because we believe that everyone deserves to understand the world that they live in. That kind of knowledge helps create better citizens, neighbors, friends, parents, consumers and stewards of this planet. In short, understanding benefits everyone. You can join in on this mission by making a financial gift to Vox today. Reader support helps keep our work free, for everyone. Will you join us?

One-Time Monthly Annual

$95/year

$120/year

$250/year

$350/year

Other

$

Yes, I'll give $120/year

Yes, I'll give $120/year

We accept credit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. You can also contribute via