A West Virginia businessman’s presidential candidacy recently took a dramatic turn when his pregnant wife collapsed during his official announcement.
Rollan Roberts II was his target at the White House a few minutes after his speech when his wife, Rebecca Lea Roberts, began to trip before falling completely and taking down the American flag right next to her.
Rebecca, who is five months pregnant with the couple’s first child, lay on the floor for a few seconds before Roberts came to her aid after several assists.
The Republican, who was never elected to public office, has since been mercilessly mocked on social media for his reluctance to help her.
Rollan Roberts II announces he is running for president this week when his wife, five months pregnant, passed out. She was fine and Roberts was obviously very worried. A great start for Rollan Roberts 2024! pic.twitter.com/iPP1qcx3pr
— Ron Filipkowski 🇺🇦 (@RonFilipkowski) January 26, 2023
This is Rollan Roberts II (right) and his wife Rebecca Lea Roberts (left)
To make matters worse, Rollan faced backlash for his campaign’s decision to cut the fainting from the video shared on his Facebook account.
“You probably missed this, but another Republican announced he was running for President while his pregnant wife literally passed out in the background,” said a verified Twitter user who shared the full video of the incident.
The swoon came about seven minutes after the Republican businessman made the announcement, describing the reasons voters should vote for him.
In the video you can see how Rebecca starts to stumble to the side.
At one point, the businessman’s wife crashes squarely into an American flag before her knees buckle and she hits the floor of the West Virginia State Capitol.
As Rebecca falls to the ground with the American flag, a helper standing next to her tries to hold it and then lift the flag from her.
Roberts stands on the podium for a few seconds as others rush to either side of him to make sure she’s okay and to help.
The swoon came about seven minutes after the Republican businessman made the announcement, describing the reasons voters should vote for him
In the video you can see how Rebecca starts to stumble to the side
At one point, the businessman’s wife crashes squarely into an American flag before her knees buckle and she hits the floor of the West Virginia State Capitol
As Rebecca falls to the ground with the American flag, a helper standing next to her tries to hold it up and then lift the flag from her
After the situation was resolved, Roberts offered a salute to those who stepped in to help.
“Can we help out the medical team for support? She (Rebecca) is five months pregnant,” Mr Roberts said.
“Your blood pressure is fine, so we thank the Lord,” he continued.
It was a difficult start for the “American businessman”, who then faced backlash for editing the whole ordeal from the video he shared on his campaign’s Facebook page.
“Nice how at 7:30 you cut out the part where your wife fainted in the middle of your speech and you just stood there wondering whether or not you should keep talking while your AIDS tried to get to her help. OH WELL, AT LEAST YOU WERE THE **FIFTH** PERSON TO COME TO HER SIDE, EH?’ A Facebook commenter responded to the video.
Rollan Roberts II is an “American businessman” according to his campaign website.
That was just one reaction from many who criticized and ridiculed the candidate.
“He’s going to have to work on his dad reflexes!” said a Twitter user.
However, according to his campaign website, this isn’t Roberts’ first child. He has two daughters from a previous marriage.
“I’m not sure I can remember a time when a candidate announced his intention to run for office and end that campaign at the exact same moment,” another person wrote.
“I thought for a moment he wasn’t going to leave the podium,” said one person.
‘Wow! I counted a full 5 seconds before he moved towards her. I hope she’s okay,” said another.
“He stood there looking at her like she was interrupting him,” wrote another.
Sharing the news of his announcement, one person said: “His pregnant wife literally passed out in the background.”
Commentators piled up on Roberts II on Twitter
Social media users mocked and criticized the presidential candidate
Roberts is assisted by his father, Rollan Roberts I, a West Virginia state senator.
“It gives me great pleasure to introduce my son to you today,” said the state senator.
“He has an announcement to make that will change the course of his life, challenge his stamina and brawn, and lead to success because he is following God’s will,” he continued, introducing his son at the event.