West Virginia Governor Jim Justice has blasted actress Bette Midler among other critics of the Mountain State, telling her to "kiss" his dog's behind. The punch was delivered during an address to the state, where the politician was discussing recent economic developments in West Virginia.
"Absolutely too many people doubted us. They never believed in West Virginia", Justice said. "They never believed in West Virginia — that we could do it".
Then commenting on Midler, who had previously called West Virginia "poor, illiterate, and strung out", the politician picked up his dog and showed her "hiney" to the camera.