Baton Bob faces backlash over Facebook comment

Street performer’s Facebook comments lead to backlash

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The goodwill generated over the years by Baton Bob, the self-proclaimed “Ambassador of Mirth” who’s long entertained Atlantans with his parade marshall antics, is taking a hit.

Bob yesterday complained that a woman interrupted his performance during the Peachtree Road Race and asked to take a photo for her friend who was battling cancer. Bob, who hasn’t let a recent Midtown arrest prevent him from continuing his baton-twirling routine, declined. He wrote on his Facebook page:

“I want say this, to the white Lesbian Bitch that rolled upon my ASS, about a friend of hers that wanted a photo in middle of my performance that ‘s suffering from Cancer, and I stated that, I don’t do posed photos in the middle of my performance;......became indignant to me !!!!!......FUCK YOU BITCH!!!!....I said NO,..... and, I meant IT,...... BEACHICH!!!!......GET THE FUCK OVER IT!!!!!....DON’T IMPOSE UPON ME,.....THAT WAY!!!!!.....ALL I”M SAYING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

Most of his fans, including one who urged him to consider what “Mandela or King” would think, aren’t pleased. The Georgia Voice, which first reported on the brouhaha, has a full rundown. As does Richard Eldredge at Atlanta Magazine. Matt Hennie at Project Q Atlanta notes that Bob has posted some more details about why he didn’t stop but has not apologized.