Nationwide — James Fishback, a politician from Florida and also the GOP candidate for governor, was captured on video in a heated exchange at a rally where he told a Black man he “should be lynched” before walking away smiling. The confrontation has resurfaced attention on past misconduct allegations tied to him.
At a recent GOP rally, a Black man confronted Fishback about previous accusations involving an inappropriate relationship with a minor in 2022. The man referenced the allegations directly, using explicit language, while pressing Fishback for answers. Fishback appeared unsettled as he defended himself, saying a judge had dismissed a related protection order after hearing testimony.
The exchange quickly escalated in front of attendees, as reported by Atlanta Black Star. Fishback told the man, “I don’t want you ever speaking about women in our state like that again.” The man responded by repeating claims tied to the past allegations and challenging him, saying, “So, promise me you’ll never smash a minor again.”
Tension rose further as Fishback pointed at the man and shouted, “You should be lynched for [talking] about me like that.” The man responded, “Lynch all pedophiles,” and the argument continued as people in the crowd shouted and reacted.
As the confrontation went on, Fishback tried to shift the focus toward other political controversies, including references to Jeffrey Epstein. However, the crowd kept pressing him about the earlier allegations, and the exchange remained tense.
Court records linked to the 2022 case show a protection order filed against Fishback for harassment, which was later denied. The judge did not find evidence of harassment. However, the petitioner alleged that Fishback began a relationship with her when she was 17 while she worked with his organization, Incubate Debate, which partnered with schools on debate programs.
She also claimed the relationship continued after she turned 18 and that he later became engaged to her. Fishback has denied all wrongdoing, disputed the claims, and pointed to the petitioner’s mental health in his defense. A school district previously cut ties with him following the initial allegations.
Fishback has also faced criticism for past social media posts and remarks about political opponents, including comments about Rep. Byron Donalds that drew backlash and later remarks about slavery and ancestry in an interview.
In an Instagram video dated April 2, viewers reacted strongly to the exchange and his “lynched” remark. Toward the end of the confrontation, Fishback questioned the man’s identity, saying, “You’re not even Black. Let me see the proof,” after an n-word reference was used during the argument. The man responded with counter-accusations before the video ended.