William Paul, the son of Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul (R), issued a public apology Wednesday after making antisemitic and anti-gay comments during a dispute with Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) at a Washington, D.C., bar earlier this week.
In a statement posted to X, Paul acknowledged he had been drinking heavily at the time and said he intended to seek help.
“Last night, I had too much to drink and said some things that don’t represent who I really am,” Paul wrote. “I’m sorry and today I am seeking help for my drinking problem.”
The incident reportedly unfolded Tuesday evening at the Tune Inn on Capitol Hill, where Lawler was speaking with a reporter about the increasingly competitive Republican primary in Kentucky involving Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY).
According to witnesses and Lawler’s own account, William Paul interrupted the conversation and began challenging the discussion, arguing that outside political forces were influencing Massie’s reelection prospects.
The exchange quickly became tense after Paul made remarks Lawler later characterized as antisemitic.
He claimed that if Massie lost, it would be because of Lawler’s “people,” the lawmaker recounted. When he pressed Paul about who his “people” were, he replied, “Jews.”
Lawler told reporters the situation escalated when Paul referenced Jewish Americans and GOP donor Paul Singer in a critical context tied to the Kentucky race.
The congressman said Paul’s comments reflected antisemitic tropes and extended into hostile remarks about gay individuals as well.
Lawler, visibly frustrated when speaking publicly afterward, condemned the language in strong terms.
“I think that’s f—ing disgusting,” he said while addressing reporters outside the Capitol on Wednesday, The Hill reported.
Witnesses present at the restaurant described the argument as increasingly heated as the night progressed.
What began as a political disagreement reportedly turned into a prolonged confrontation that drew attention from others inside the bar.
According to accounts, Paul appeared intoxicated during much of the exchange and struggled to maintain composure as the discussion escalated.
The encounter, which was first reported and witnessed by a NOTUS reporter, eventually ended after several minutes of back-and-forth, with Paul leaving the establishment shortly afterward.
Lawler also said the conversation included broader political and ideological claims tied to Israel and U.S. foreign policy, which he rejected as inaccurate and offensive.
He maintained that the remarks went beyond a political disagreement and crossed into personal attacks rooted in prejudice.
The episode comes at a sensitive moment in Republican politics, as Massie faces one of the most competitive primary challenges of his career.
The Kentucky congressman, a longtime ally of Sen. Paul, is being challenged by retired Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein, a candidate backed by allies of President Donald Trump.
According to Newsweek, the race has become a proxy battle over ideological divisions within the GOP, particularly regarding foreign policy, party loyalty, and alignment with Trump’s political influence.
Outside the race itself, recent campaign messaging tied to outside groups has drawn additional scrutiny.
Some advertisements connected to the primary have sparked criticism from opponents who argue they rely on inflammatory language regarding donor influence and cultural issues, further intensifying tensions around the contest.
William Paul, who has previously worked for conservative organizations including FreedomWorks and held congressional staff positions, has faced prior legal issues involving alcohol, including a DUI conviction and a separate assault charge that was later dismissed.
Following the incident, Sen. Paul’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
