Amid a heated and growing controversy, Republican Sen. Thom Tillis has called on North Carolina GOP gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson to either confirm or contest recent accusations leveled by CNN.

Following a CNN report alleging a history of inflammatory and scandalous online remarks from Robinson, Tillis urged him to either leave the race or file a lawsuit if the claims are indeed unfounded, as Newsmax reports.

The turmoil began when CNN detailed allegations that Robinson had made inflammatory comments on an adult website known as "Nude Africa."

The reported remarks were made between 2008 and 2012, where he supposedly labeled himself as a "black NAZI" and endorsed the idea of reinstating slavery.

Immediate Reactions to Controversial Allegations

Shortly before CNN published its findings, Robinson, who currently serves as the lieutenant governor of North Carolina, refuted the claims in a video post.

In it, he asserted his transparency and commitment to the gubernatorial race despite the damaging report.

His campaign strategy seemed unaffected initially as Robinson chose not to attend a Trump rally in Wilmington, although he has been seen at other events supporting the former president in the state.

Political Implications and Support Dynamics

Despite the allegations, former President Donald Trump has not retracted his endorsement of Robinson. The North Carolina Republican Party also stood by Robinson, critiquing the opposition for trying to convert the gubernatorial contest into a "personality contest."

Tillis, however, emphasized the gravity of the situation, suggesting that if the accusations are true, Robinson should prioritize the Republican party and its prospects in North Carolina by stepping down.

Alternatively, if the claims are baseless, Robinson should defend his integrity through legal means, the lawmaker asserts.

Challenging Times for Republican Campaigns

"If the reporting on Mark Robinson is a total media fabrication, he needs to take immediate legal action," Tillis stated, highlighting the potential impact of inaction on the GOP's reputation and its strategic positioning in upcoming elections.

"If the reporting is true, he owes it to President Trump and every Republican to take accountability for his actions and put the future of NC & our party before himself," he continued, reflecting on the broader political stakes involved.

Race Dynamics and Voter Sentiment

Robinson's main competition in the gubernatorial race comes from Democrat Josh Stein, who currently leads in most state polls.

This controversy adds another layer of difficulty for Robinson, who is already trailing in voter preferences.

Tillis also remarked on the need to stay focused on winnable races, implying that ongoing controversies could detract from the GOP's efforts to ensure a presidential victory in North Carolina, particularly against Vice President Kamala Harris.

Staying the Course Amid Controversy

Amid the swirl of allegations and political maneuvering, Robinson remains steadfast.

"The things you will see in that story, those are not the words of Mark Robinson. You know my words, you know my character, and you know that I have been completely transparent in this race and before. We are staying in this race. We are in it to win it," he declared in his video.

"It was a tough day, but we must stay focused on the races we can win," Tillis concluded, signaling a tense road ahead for the GOP in North Carolina.