William Paul Issues Apology for Drunken Rant
William Paul, son of Republican senator Rand Paul, apologized on Wednesday for a drunken outburst at a Washington DC bar during which he reportedly told a Republican congressman that he "hates Jews and hates gays."
Posting on social media under the handle TastyBrew1776, William Paul stated:
"Last night, I had too much to drink and said some things that don’t represent who I really am. I’m sorry and today I am seeking help for my drinking problem."
Details of the Incident with Congressman Mike Lawler
The apology came shortly after Republican congressman Mike Lawler revealed that William Paul had accosted him while intoxicated on Tuesday night at the Tune Inn Restaurant & Bar on Pennsylvania Avenue. During the encounter, Paul allegedly said he would hold "anti-American" Jews responsible if Thomas Massie, a Kentucky congressman and ally of Rand Paul, loses an upcoming primary election.
Lawler, who is a Republican congressman and whose colleagues had employed William Paul as a congressional aide, described the incident:
"He went on a 10-minute diatribe about Jews,"
and further stated that Paul:
"said that he hates Jews and hates gays and doesn’t care if they die."
Lawler expressed his disgust with the remarks:
"I think that’s fucking disgusting."
Additional Allegations and Context
The incident was first reported earlier on Wednesday by Reese Gorman, a witness and journalist for the digital publication Notus.
Lawler also reported that William Paul blamed Israel for the US war on Iran, claiming the United States was "trying to steal Iran’s land for the Jews and steal the West Bank." Rand Paul’s senate office did not immediately respond to requests for comment from .
Political Background and Campaign Context
Thomas Massie is currently engaged in a contentious primary campaign against Ed Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL endorsed by former President Donald Trump and supported by Republican billionaire donor Paul Singer, who is Jewish and an advocate for gay rights.
Massie, known for his criticism of the US-Israel stance on Iran, previously angered Trump by leading efforts to release files related to Jeffrey Epstein, a late sex offender with whom Trump had socialized for nearly two decades.
As reported, an outside group supporting Massie’s campaign has targeted Paul Singer in its advertising. One ad states:
"Eddie Gallrein is bought and paid for by the LGBTQ mafia. Far-left trans activist billionaire Paul Singer is bringing his trans madness to Kentucky. Singer is spending millions to remove Massie. The gay mafia will own woke Eddie."
The advertisement features an image of Singer in front of a rainbow-colored Star of David.
Further Details on William Paul’s Conduct
William Paul, who has a history of multiple charges related to drunken assault or driving, reportedly told Lawler:
"Paul Singer serves Israeli interests, not American interests."
When Lawler pointed out that he was not Jewish, Paul, admitting he was drunk, allegedly responded:
"Oh wow, I’m so sorry for calling you a Jew,"
before continuing with the tirade. He then urged Lawler:
"to watch more Tucker Carlson,"
and reportedly made an obscene gesture by flipping off the congressman and stumbled over his bar stool as he exited.
William Paul’s Recent Activities and Online Presence
William Paul’s LinkedIn profile indicates he spent part of the previous week in San Diego attending a conference with the Christian Employers Alliance. His profile also features a photo showing him pointing approvingly at a statue of Barry Goldwater in the US Capitol. Notably, Goldwater’s grandfather was an Orthodox Jew.
