Mr. Robinson, the Republican nominee for governor of North Carolina, vowed to stay in the race and sought to deny the report, which also said he had defended slavery in online posts years ago.

Robinson denied the CNN report, which said he referred to himself as a "black NAZI" and expressed support for bringing back slavery more than 10 years ago.

Robinson has long been a controversial figure. Prior to today's revelations, he drew controversy for engaging in Holocaust denial, called homosexuality an abominable sin after the Pulse nightclub shooting and said trans people should "find a corner outside somewhere" instead of using a public restroom.