Gov. Patrick calls @MassGov tweet about sexual assault a 'stupid mistake'

BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) -- Gov. Deval Patrick called an offensive tweet sent out by the state's Twitter account a "stupid mistake" during a stop in Springfield Thursday.

Administrators behind the state's official Twitter account apologized for a tweet they posted Wednesday night about sexual assault.

The tweet read, "Sexual assault is always avoidable. Learn more from @Mass_HHS." It then linked to a blog about Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Geoff Kula, director of Mass.gov, released a statement via Twitter, saying he deeply regrets the message and apologizes to all sexual assault victims.

"We in no way meant to suggest that victims of sexual assault are to blame for the crimes committed against them," said Kula.

Gov. Patrick told FOX 25 political reporter Sharman Sacchetti, "It was a stupid mistake and sometimes stupid mistakes happen and I appreciate very much the head of Mass.gov taking responsibility for it, and issuing an apology and I apologize as well."

When asked if anyone spoke with the person who wrote the tweet, the governor said, "Yes of course." He said he had not personally spoken with the person, but that "someone has."

Some Twitter users spoke out against the tweet after it was posted.

"So it's been like 20 minutes since you posted this, when are you going to post some clarification?" one user asked @MassGov.

The tweet was removed by late Thursday morning.

The blog included in the tweet, written on April 10 by Kathy Betts of the Office of Children, Youth and Families, calls on all members of the community to speak out against sexual violence.

"We need to act," reads the blog. "This crime affects people from all racial, cultural, educational and economic backgrounds, and sexual orientations and it will take all of us to stop it."

It goes on to say there is a growing group of young people in college and high school who are "stepping up to promote healthy relationships."

Cox Media Group