William Paul, the son of Sen. Rand Paul, issued a public apology Wednesday after allegedly unleashing a drunken antisemitic tirade at Rep. Mike Lawler during a confrontation at a Washington, D.C. bar.
In a statement posted to X, Paul admitted he had been drinking heavily and said he was seeking professional help following the incident.
“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.”
Last night, I had too much to drink and said some things that don’t represent who I really am. I’m sorry and today I am seeking help for my drinking problem. @jchristenson_ @lawler4ny @reesejgorman
— William H. Paul (@TastyBrew1776) May 13, 2026
According to accounts of the encounter, the incident occurred Tuesday evening while Lawler was speaking with NOTUS reporter Reese Gorman. William Paul reportedly interrupted the conversation and claimed that if Rep. Thomas Massie were to lose his upcoming primary race, it would be because of “your people.”
When Lawler asked what he meant, Paul allegedly responded, “Yeah, you Jews,” despite Lawler not being Jewish. Lawler reportedly informed Paul that he is Irish-Italian Catholic, but the confrontation continued as Paul allegedly made additional inflammatory remarks involving Jewish Americans, Israel, and U.S. foreign policy.
Lawler later described the interaction as bizarre and confrontational, saying Paul appeared heavily intoxicated from the moment he approached the group. The New York congressman recounted that Paul became increasingly belligerent during the exchange and continued making antisemitic comments even after realizing Lawler was not Jewish.
According to Lawler’s account, Paul also launched into broader remarks attacking both Jewish people and gay Americans before eventually walking away from the confrontation. At one point, Lawler said he attempted to end the conversation entirely after concluding there was no productive discussion to be had.
The incident quickly gained attention online after details of the exchange surfaced publicly. It also renewed scrutiny surrounding William Paul’s past legal troubles, which include a previous DUI conviction and an assault-related case from 2013 that was ultimately dropped.
Sen. Rand Paul declined to comment extensively on the controversy when approached by reporters, telling NBC News reporter Frank Thorp only, “I don’t have anything for you on it.”
The episode comes at a time when antisemitism and political extremism remain major concerns across the country, particularly amid growing tensions tied to Middle East politics and increasing polarization within American political discourse.
The post Rand Paul’s Son Apologizes After Drunken Antisemitic Outburst At D.C. Bar appeared first on Real News Now.
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