The Beat Letters: Racially Insensitive Phrase?

"I realize that Timothy O'Neil-Dunne meant no disrespect but the only time I have heard the below phrase, it was meant as a damaging and racially insensitive phrase and therefore I am surprised and disappointed it was used in this otherwise interesting commentary:

'However, this is a real tar baby of a problem.' "

O'Neil-Dunne replies: "In my guest article, I used an expression that could be misconstrued as insensitive. I apologize unreservedly should anyone take offense at the use of language."