HOUSTON — A comment from Houston Mayor John Whitmire on a Facebook post by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is going viral as their working relationship continues to be the subject of media reports.
Hidalgo posted Monday night to her official Facebook page photos of a bridal shower held recently. Back in January, she announced that she was engaged to her boyfriend David.
“Bridal shower tea party I am so grateful to everyone who celebrated with me. I felt so loved and it was truly one of my happiest days ever. The first picture is of me and Cecilia, who hosted at her beautiful home with my mom and two other wonderful ladies, Jan and Patricia. Pink and white are our wedding colors ” Hidalgo said in the post.
While the post received numerous responses of “congratulations,” Whitmire had something else to say.
“Wonderful. He sure looks like a nerd,” Whitmire commented from his official Facebook account.
The comment has since been deleted from the responses. That did not stop people from screen-grabbing his comment and sharing it on other social media platforms.
When the mayor’s office was asked about the comment, this was their response:
“Mayor John Whitmire was having a lighthearted moment and meant no harm. He congratulates the happy couple and wishes them well.”
Before Whitmire released a statement about his comment, Hidalgo called the comment "cruel."
“It’s such a happy time for me. So, I don’t know why someone would do something so cruel, but obviously, you know, I’ve been in politics long enough,” she said.
When asked about Whitmire's comments in person on Tuesday, Hidalgo said she was thankful he removed it from social media. She went on to say she's excited about their future.
"Not only is he a nerd, but I'm a nerd, too and I can't wait for us to get married," Hidalgo said.
On Tuesday afternoon, former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner appeared to chime in on the "nerd" discussion.
"I am honored to always be included and be amongst fellow nerds. Not only do they work to inspire and encourage our youth that they can achieve and create what they seek, but they also help make a growing and dynamic city and region stronger and more resilient. May the force continue to be strong with us. st," Turner said in a post on X.
While the comment was described as being “lighthearted,” it comes as his relationship with Hidalgo has been the subject of media coverage.
RELATED: 'Don't have time for games': Whitmire responds to Hidalgo's complaint that he won't meet with her
Following the derecho storm in June during their first-ever joint press conference, the two had an exchange of words in front of cameras.