Mast In 2009 To His Friend, Now His Campaign Manager Rocco Ledonni, Who Was On A Vacation To South Africa: “I Hope You Hook Up With At Least Fifteen 15 Year Olds Over There ... . Its Legel There Right.” According to the Tampa Bay Times, “One of the comments involves a Feb. 23, 2009, photo of a bar outing posted by Rocco LeDonni, who is now Mast's campaign manager. The photo was taken during LeDonni's vacation to South Africa. Mast commented, ‘im so proud of you ... i hope you hook up with at least fifteen 15 year olds over there ... . its legel there right.” [Tampa Bay Times, 8/25/20]
2011: In Response To A Post From LeDonni Asking For Pick-Up Line Ideas, Mast Replied: “How About Don't Turn This Rape Into A Murder.” According to the Tampa Bay Times, “Two years later, LeDonni asked in a May 20, 2011, post: ‘Anyone have any good pick up lines for this weekend considering according to the crazy christian radio guy the world may end on sunday?’ ‘How about don't turn this rape into a murder,’ Mast responded.” [Tampa Bay Times, 8/25/20]
HEADLINE: “Brian Mast Apologizes After Joking About Sex With 15-Year-Olds And Rape In Old Facebook Posts” [Florida Politics, 8/26/20]
2020: Mast Apologized After Old Comments He Made On Social Media Resurfaced That Referenced Sex With 15-Year-Old Girls And Joked About Rape. According to the Tampa Bay Times, “South Florida Congressman Brian Mast joked about rape and referenced sex with 15-year-old girls in old Facebook comments to a friend who is now his campaign manager. The messages were posted years ago, but they've surfaced in Mast's tough reelection fight against Democratic challenger Pam Keith. Mast, a 40-year-old Republican, represents one South Florida's most competitive swing districts. He apologized for the remarks on Tuesday.” [Tampa Bay Times, 8/25/20]
Mast Claimed He Wanted To Be A Better Example For His Kids After His Inappropriate Jokes Resurfaced. According to the Tampa Bay Times, “In a statement Tuesday, Mast apologized for the posts. ‘A decade ago when I was in the Army, and following my injury, I made disgusting and inappropriate jokes that I am embarrassed to have associated with my name today,’ he said. ‘I am sorry about that part of who I was, and I strive every day to be a better example for my kids.’” [Tampa Bay Times, 8/25/20]