A professor and psychiatry department chair at an Ivy League university has been suspended after calling a dark-skinned model a ‘freak of nature’.

Jeffrey Lieberman, the chairman of Columbia University’s Department of Psychiatry, called Sudanese model Nyakim Gatwech, 29, ‘the Guinness Book of World Records holder for person with the darkest skin on Earth’ in a since-deleted tweet.

‘Whether a work of art or freak of nature she’s a beautiful sight to behold,’ Lieberman said about Gatwech, in a reply to a tweet on Monday.

Guinness does not track what Lieberman claimed.

After Lieberman’s comment, Gatwech, who is known as ‘Queen of Dark’, said she was hit with many remarks claiming she has the darkest skin of anyone in the world.

‘Unfortunately, I believe this has been impacting my Instagram account negatively,’ Gatwech shared on the platform, adding that she has worked hard to build her following and promote self-acceptance.

‘I don’t buy followers, and to those who believe otherwise, I do not need to manufacture lies for likes… I love my dark skin and my nickname “Queen of Dark,” but I’ve never said I’m the darkest person on earth.’ 

Faced with backlash, Lieberman deleted the tweet and posted an apology for how he referred to Gatwech.

‘My sincere apologies for any offense taken and indiscretions. Living and learning,’ Lieberman said.

The professor also emailed his colleagues on Tuesday expressing how ashamed he was of his remark.

‘An apology from me to the Black community, to women, and to all of you is not enough,’ Lieberman wrote in the email, according to The New York Times. ‘I’ve hurt many, and I am beginning to understand the work ahead to make needed personal changes and over time to regain your trust.’ 

Despite the apology, Columbia University suspended Lieberman from his role as chairman of his department and removed him as psychiatrist-in-chief at New York Presbyterian Hospital. The decision is final, and Lieberman has also resigned as executive director of the New York State Psychiatric Institute.

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