Shelbyville mayor apologises for disparaging data centre opponents as ‘shitty houses’ residents
The mayor of Shelbyville, Indiana, has issued an apology after being captured on camera describing residents opposing a $2 billion data centre as living in “shitty houses,” prompting accusations of disrespect from constituents.
Scott Furgeson, the mayor of Shelbyville, Indiana, has apologised after a video recording surfaced showing him disparaging residents who oppose a proposed $2 billion data centre in the small city. The controversy intensified after Furgeson was captured on camera observing “No Data Center” signs around town and stating that he only saw them in “shitty houses,” adding that most of these properties were rentals.
The remark drew immediate pushback from residents present during the exchange. A woman in the clip challenged the mayor’s characterisation, asserting that the opponents were “working class.” Another individual responded by emphasising that regardless of whether residents owned or rented their homes, they remained “human beings,” a sentiment that underscored the community’s frustration with the mayor’s dismissive tone.
Local resident Alexas Williams told NBC affiliate WTHR that the mayor’s language was “kind of disrespectful” and “kind of hurtful.” The incident has become a significant political flashpoint in Shelbyville, where the proposed data centre has already generated considerable debate. Furgeson has declined to provide further comment beyond the official statement issued by his office.
A spokesperson for the mayor’s office released a statement expressing regret that the choice of words caused offence. The statement did not elaborate on the mayor’s personal views regarding the data centre proposal, leaving the full extent of his position on the project unclear. The mayor has not addressed the specific demographic or housing status of the opposition beyond the recorded remarks.
The backlash highlights the tensions surrounding the infrastructure project, which has drawn sharp divisions within the community. While the mayor’s office has sought to mitigate the damage through an apology, the incident has cemented the controversy in local discourse, with residents focusing on the perceived lack of respect for their community rather than the technical or economic aspects of the development.
