COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — A senior Danish lawmaker who called President Barack Obama a "negro" says he won't travel to the United States in September with fellow parliamentarians.

The debate about Soeren Espersen's description of Obama Wednesday took off after a legislator from the opposition Social Democrats tweeted an inaccurate English translation of his words.

Jeppe Kofod of the opposition Social Democrats tweeted Espersen had used an even more offensive term for African-American.

Espersen, of the populist Danish People's Party, said Friday he decided not to go because he feared the purpose of the trip would be "overshadowed" by the discussion surrounding his statement.

The lawmaker chairs the Danish Parliament's Foreign Policy Committee, which will meet senators and members of Congress.

Espersen said he would use the word again.

Kofod wasn't available for comments.