“Gender specific attacks are disgusting sexist bullshit.”
A reporter from the New York Times has made a public apology after comments he made about First Lady Melania Trump to actress and model Emily Ratajkowski.
The reporter, James Bernstein, was speaking to Ratajkowski earlier this week and she posted his quotes on Twitter.
Sat next to a journalist from the NYT last night who told me "Melania is a hooker." Whatever your politics it's crucial to call this out for
— Emily Ratajkowski (@emrata) February 13, 2017
what it is: slut shaming. I don't care about her nudes or sexual history and no one should.
— Emily Ratajkowski (@emrata) February 13, 2017
Gender specific attacks are disgusting sexist bullshit.
— Emily Ratajkowski (@emrata) February 13, 2017
The story reached the White House and Mrs. Trump sent this message to Ratajkowski thanking her for speaking out.
Applause to all women around the world who speak up, stand up and support other women! @emrata #PowerOfEveryWoman #PowerOfTheFirstLady
— Melania Trump 45 Archived (@FLOTUS45) February 14, 2017
Bernstein released a statement owning up to the comments.
“I want to take ownership of a mistake I made. Speaking at a party in what I thought was a personal conversation, I nevertheless made a stupid remark about the First Lady.
“My editors have made it clear my behaviour was not in keeping with the standards of the New York Times, and I agree. My mistake, referring to unfounded rumours, shouldn’t reflect on anyone else and I apologise profusely.”
The New York Times and the Trumps aren’t on the best of terms anyway with President Trump repeatedly saying it publishes ‘Fake News.’
The media organisation released this statement on the matter.
“At a party last night, a Times reporter who does not cover Washington or politics, referred to an unfounded rumour regarding Melania Trump.
The comment was not intended to be public, but it was nonetheless completely inappropriate and should not have occurred. Editors have talked to the reporter in question about the lapse.”
