Content Warning: This article contains explicit language. Reader discretion is advised.
Arlington Mayor Jim Ross is facing backlash after newly surfaced footage from 2018 shows him using vulgar language and making explicit remarks toward a Christian street preacher.
The video, recorded by Vice News in 2018, was filmed at the Southern Decadence festival in New Orleans, an LGBTQ event held annually over Labor Day weekend. In the footage, Ross, whose face was blurred, can be heard addressing street preacher Ruben Israel with crude language and profanity.
Israel, known for preaching at public events, passed away in 2023, according to Christian Post.
“I believe y’all can have free speech… But this is some hateful sh*t and I am a heterosexual guy,” Ross said in the video (begins at 11:47 in the video).
“You stand out here like you are a b*dass motherf*cker,” Ross continued. He then asked Israel, “You don’t think anal sex is good, do you? Have you ever f*cked your old lady in the *ss? I’d f*ck your old lady in the *ss.”
Despite Ross’ comments, Israel and others did not directly engage. Ross continued, stating, “Shut your *ss, shut your *ss, you little piece of sh*t. You ought to talk sh*t, these people around here are having a good f*cking time.” At another point, he called Israel a “p*ssy motherf*cker.”
The footage ends with Ross approaching the group and appearing to initiate a confrontation.
Several Arlington and Tarrant County residents expressed disgust over Ross’ behavior.
“First, this is unfortunate. I am not certain what prompted this altercation. He sounds inebriated,” Truth Talk podcast host and Arlington resident Kathi Arocha told The Dallas Express.
“This video is beyond shocking. What a disgusting piece of human garbage. Mayor Ross should resign immediately,” Tarrant County GOP Chairman Bo French said.
“The now Mayor of Arlington’s vile, profanity-laced rant at the late Ruben Israel, a Christian street preacher, is a disgrace. Perhaps the mayor was stressed out because of not being able to pay his taxes of late, but his unprofessional conduct mirrors the worst of today’s cursing Democrats. Leadership demands better,” Tarrant County Republican Precinct Chair TK Campbell added.
“Ruben Israel was no shrinking violet; yet even he deserved dignity and respect from an elected representative. Arlington can demand better without trading insults for insults. ‘Be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good’ (Romans 12:21),” wrote Pastor Troy Jackson, PhD, Biblical Citizenship Pastor, New Beginnings Church, Bedford, Texas, to The Dallas Express.
This is not the first time Ross has drawn public criticism.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Ross publicly acknowledged financial difficulties after it was revealed that the IRS began garnishing his salary due to unpaid taxes. Records from the Tarrant County Tax Assessor-Collector dated June 2025 show Ross owes $940.39 in penalties and interest, with a total outstanding debt of $174,945.93.
The Dallas Express reached out to Vice News and Jim Ross for comment, but did not receive a response.