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A Calgary councillor seeking re-election is insisting he said Johnny “Choo” — not “Johnny Jew” — after drawing criticism for what was perceived as an anti-Semitic slur at a packed all-candidates debate Wednesday evening.

In a statement sent to news media Thursday afternoon, hours after a video of Ward 1 Coun. Ward Sutherland’s remarks were widely shared online, Sutherland disputed he used the term “Johnny Jew from New York” while speaking about public art.

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“During our discussion about public art at the forum I referenced a famous New York designer with the last name of Choo,” the statement from Sutherland said.

“The point I was hoping to drive home was the importance of utilizing local artists rather than those from abroad.”

While Sutherland didn’t say which Choo from New York he was referencing, there is a Jimmy Choo who designs women’s shoes and lives in the United Kingdom.

In his statement, Sutherland encourages “anyone with questions to watch the video of the forum,” and notes no reaction from the crowd was made after his comments.

Rabbi Mark Glickman of Temple B’nai Tikvah watched the video Thursday morning and said, “It sure sounded like Johnny Jew.”

“If he said Johnny Choo, I don’t know what that means,” said Glickman.