Top GOP Lawmaker Demands Jerry Falwell Jr. Step Down Amid Unzipped Pants Photo Controversy

A top House Republican lawmaker is calling for Liberty University President 👤Jerry Falwell Jr.’s resignation amid backlash over a controversial photo of him circulating on social media.

Rep. Mark Walker (R-N.C.) — a former pastor who serves on a music faculty advisory board at the university — took to Twitter on Thursday with critical remarks toward Falwell, describing his behavior as “appalling.”

“👤Jerry Falwell Jr’s ongoing behavior is appalling,” Walker tweeted. “As a Music Faculty Advisory Board Member and former instructor , I’m convinced Falwell should step down. None of us are perfect, but students, faculty, alumni, and deserve better.”

Walker’s remarks come just days after faced a barrage of criticism over the photo. As the head of a collegiate institution with a foundation built of strong Christian principles, many have deemed the photo inappropriate.

Amid criticism, Falwell has offered an explanation and apology for the viral since-deleted Instagram post. During a radio interview with WLNI 105.9FM, Falwell noted that the photo of him and his wife’s assistant was taken on a yacht while on vacation.

“She’s pregnant so she couldn’t get her — she couldn’t get her pants up. And I was like, trying to like — my — I had on pair of jeans that I hadn’t worn in a long time so I couldn’t get mine zipped either,” Falwell explained.

He continued, “So, I just put my belly out like hers,” saying, “She’s my wife’s assistant she’s a sweetheart. I should have never put it up and embarrassed her.”

Noting that he has already apologized once, Falwell — who has been president of Liberty University since 2007 — also appeared to dismiss his own behavior as he insisted he will “try to be a good boy” going forward.

“I’ve apologized to everybody. I promised my kids I will try to be a good boy from here on out,” he said.