Montana Rep.-elect and reported political thug Greg Gianforte has issued an apology to the Guardian reporter he “body-slammed,” and is basically playing politics by pledging to donate $50,000 to the Committee to Protect Journalists.
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Hopefully the organization covers protecting journalists from white male Republicans who don’t like being asked questions. On May 24, Gianforte attacked journalist Ben Jacobs, “body-slamming” him at a campaign event, CNN reports.
“My physical response to your legitimate question was unprofessional, unacceptable and unlawful. As both a candidate for office and a public official, I should be held to a high standard in my interactions with the press and the public. My treatment of you did not meet that standard,” Gianforte wrote in a letter viewed by CNN.
“I made a mistake and humbly ask for your forgiveness,” the letter stated.
Jacobs accepted the apology.
“I have accepted Mr. Gianforte’s apology and his willingness to take responsibility for his actions and statements,” he said in a statement. “I hope the constructive resolution of this incident reinforces for all the importance of respecting the freedom of the press and the First Amendment and encourages more civil and thoughtful discourse in our country.”
According to CNN, Gianforte will appear in front of a Montana court on June 20 to face the misdemeanor assault charge. He is said to be set to plead no contest.
Read more at CNN.
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