Racist incident that inspired viral anti-bigotry speech revealed to be another hoax

Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria's forceful speech against bigotry in the Air Force went viral, but the racist incident that precipitated the speech was revealed to be another hoax.

What was the racist hoax?

Racist messages were discovered in September against several minority candidates at the Air Force Academy Preparatory School in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The messages read, “Go home n*****.”

While the incident inspired a heartfelt rebuke from Silveria that went viral, Tuesday it was revealed that one of the black cadets had written the messages himself.

The cadet admitted to writing the messages himself, according to authorities investigating the matter at the school. The cadet is no longer at the school, but officials declined to say whether he was expelled or left of his own volition.

Why did Silveria's speech go viral?

Silveria was clear and adamant that bigotry and racism would not be tolerated in the Air Force in a speech that was spread far and wide by many who agreed with his sentiments.

“If you can’t treat someone from another race or different color skin with dignity and respect, then you need to get out," he said.

“If you can’t treat someone with dignity and respect, then get out,” Silveria repeated.

The video has more than 1 million views.