(CBSLA.com) - The biggest controversy during Wednesday night's presidential debate may have been caused by KitchenAid.

The kitchenware business is doing damage control after one of their employees posted an offensive tweet about President Obama's late-grandmother on the company's official account during the debate.

It was originally tweeted to KitchenAid's 24,000 followers.

The tweet was quickly deleted but lived on through retweets by followers like @billablebarbie, who wrote:

"Someone at KitchenAid is getting fired! RT @KitchenAidUSA Obamas gma even knew it was going 2 b bad! She died 3 days b4 he became president."

Hours later, the company apologized on the same account:

KitchenAid @KitchenAidUSA
Deepest apologies for an irresponsible tweet that is in no way a representation of the brand's opinion. #nbcpolitics

KitchenAid @KitchenAidUSA
I would like to personally apologize to President @BarackObama, his family and everyone on Twitter for the offensive tweet sent earlier.

KitchenAid @KitchenAidUSA
It was carelessly sent in error by a member of our Twitter team who, needless to say, won't be tweeting for us anymore.

Several people on Twitter have responded saying they will no longer buy KitchenAid products.

"It's a perfect example of how one voice can have a huge impact, and detrimental impact, potentially," Tustin resident Brent Phillips said.

 

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