Republican Vice Presidential hopeful Paul Ryan's college sweetheart was revealed to be Deneeta Pope. The African American woman, who had been a cheerleader when the two were last together, had seemed to indirectly add fuel to his combat against racism.  

Campaign spokesman Michael Steel confirmed the 42-year-old's past interracial relationship, according to the Daily Mail.

"Mr. Ryan dated Ms. Pope in college."

The relationship between the former pair reportedly lasted five years and came to a screeching halt when the Vice Presidential nominee made the decision to move to Washington D.C, according to the site.

The 40-year-old is said to be one of the main reasons behind Ryan's powerful speech at the Republican Convention on Wednesday night, as he had been witness to prejudice while they dated.

Ryan had previously described himself as a "big, big fan" of Martin Luther King and a serious backer of civil rights, according to the site.

Ryan had dated the Chicago I.T. specialist and realtor when they both attended Miami University in Ohio in the early 90's. She had made a donation of $2,000 towards his campaign to become a congressman in 1997.  

However, Pope had also made three donations to President Obama's inaugural fund and is said to have been a registered Democrat since 2008.  

Ryan had previously spoken to Milwaukee Magazine in 2005 and touched on some of his experiences with racism.

"I have a sister-in-law who's African American. My college sweetheart was black. I just experienced some ugly comments, some racist views from people who I thought were friends of mine."

Ryan himself has been happily married to Janna Little for 12 years and has three children, while Pope recently tied the knot on her second marriage to Michael Thompson this past May in Italy.  

When asked about her infamous past relationship, she refused to comment.

CLICK HERE for pictures of Paul Ryan's college sweetheart Deneeta Pope.

Tags: Paul Ryan republican national convention