Tennessee Lt. Governor takes a break on social media after admiring semi-naked photos of a gay man 

Tennessee's Republican lieutenant governor announced he is 'pausing' his social media use after receiving backlash for admiring Instagram photos of a semi-naked 20-year-old man.

Lt. Governor Randy McNally made his Instagram private on Monday 'to reflect and receive more guidance on the use of social media,' his office wrote in a statement.

McNally's verified account was used to comment flame and heart emojis on posts of Franklyn Superstar, who appeared regularly in his underwear or without a shirt. He since claimed he 'could've been more careful.' 

The comments surfaced last week after Tennessee barred transgender treatment for children and 'adult-orientated' entertainment, like drag shows, from public property.

'While I have made some mistakes in my use of social media, the characterization of me and my record as somehow “anti-gay” is inaccurate, 'the statement read. 'On a personal level, nothing could be further from the truth. I believe every person has value and deserves respect regardless of their orientation.'

Lt. Governor Randy McNally made his Instagram private on Monday 'to reflect and receive more guidance on the use of social media'

McNally's verified account was used to comment flame and heart emojis on posts of Franklyn Superstar, who appeared regularly in his underwear or without a shirt

One surfaced comment from McNally was featured on a video showing Franklyn walking down a ramp in his underwear.

McNally wrote: 'I love it' accompanied by heart and flame emojis.'

On another occasion, McNally commented under a photo: 'You seem super happy. You are like sunshine.' While in one showing Franklyn in his underwear, McNally wrote: 'Franklyn, you can turn a rainy day into rainbows and sunshine.'

Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com last week, Franklyn, who identifies as gay, said he had no idea who McNally was when he began commenting on his social media. 'I don't keep up with politics like that,' he said.

Critics online are deeming McNally a hypocrite amid the various bans in the state.

Despite the comments, he claimed he 'respects' the gay community while 'absolutely still hold traditional Tennessee values dear.'

'I am 79 years old, and was raised in a time when homosexuality was deeply shameful,' the statement read.

'I now have friends and even a relative who is gay. I have worked hard to try and understand this community better, and at the same time not compromise trying to protect children and my own values.'

McNally claimed he spoke against a recent bill that would've restricted gay adoption.

'I have also supported legislation that would protect children and keep obscenity out of the public sphere,' the statement read. 'And I support traditional marriage. There is no contradiction here.'

He continued: 'Though I may disagree with specific policies of certain LGBTQ activists, all people are deserving of love and compassion, no matter their race, gender, or any other attribute.'

According to his official profile, McNally, a retired pharmacist, has a wife, Janice, two adult daughters and three grandchildren. 

McNally, a retired pharmacist, has a wife, Janice, two adult daughters and three grandchildren

Franklyn told DailyMail.com that he did exchange private messages with McNally but said that he was not willing to reveal the content 

In February, McNally commented under this picture on Facebook. 'Love this picture but Finn you look sad. I hope everything is ok. If not talk to me'

McNally and wife Jackie (above) have been married for more than 50 years 

Franklyn told DailyMail.com that he did exchange private messages with McNally but said that he was not willing to reveal the content. He also said that the pair never met face to face.

In at least one message, McNally refers to Franklyn by his nickname, Finn.

Franklyn responded to McNally on several messages. Under one where the lieutenant governor posted three love hearts and three fire emojis, Franklyn replied: 'You are literally always so nice. King.'

In February, McNally commented under one of Franklyn's pictures on Facebook. 'Love this picture but Finn you look sad. I hope everything is ok. If not talk to me.'

Franklyn is a native of Knoxville, Tennessee, an area of the state that McNally represents as a state senator for the fifth district, but now lives in South Carolina.

McNally was mocked on this weekend's episode of 'Saturday Night Live' by non-binary actor Molly Kearney, who dressed up as McNally alongside comedian Colin Jost

McNally's character joked he 'didn't think people would find out because [he] used a screen name' - 'Lieutenant Governor McNally'

McNally was mocked on this weekend's episode of 'Saturday Night Live' by non-binary actor Molly Kearney, who dressed up as McNally alongside comedian Colin Jost. 

Kearney opened the segment as McNally and said, 'I spent all day printing out Mapquest directions. I don’t know if you know this, but I am good at the internet.' 

Throughout the comedy skit, Jost poked at why McNally would comment on Franklyn's half-naked photos. 

McNally's character joked he 'didn't think people would find out because [he] used a screen name.' 

To which Jost asked, 'What is the screen name?' 

'Lieutenant Governor McNally,' his character responded. 

The segment ended with McNally's character claiming he'd only get off Instagram because 'he forgot his password.'