A New York Times reporter outed himself and apologized Tuesday for saying in a private conversation that Melania Trump was a “hooker.”
“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,” features writer Jacob Bernstein wrote on Twitter.
“My editors have made it clear my behavior was not in keeping with the standards of the Times, and I agree,” he continued. “My mistake, referring to unfounded rumors, shouldn’t reflect on anyone else and I apologize profusely.”
Bernstein made the comment Sunday during a New York Fashion Week event.
“At a party last night, a Times reporter who does not cover Washington or politics, referred to an unfounded rumor regarding Melania Trump,” the newspaper said in a statement. “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.”
Supermodel Emily Ratajkowski, who was seated next to the reporter during the event, spilled the beans on Twitter.
“Sat next to a journalist from the NYT last night who told me ‘Melania is a hooker,’” Ratajkowski tweeted Monday morning. “Whatever your politics it’s crucial to call this out for what it is: slut shaming. I don’t care about her nudes or sexual history and no one should.”
The Trumps are suing The Daily Mail over a story that claimed she had once been an escort.
Melania Trump praised Ratajkowski for defending her, tagging Ratajkowski in a tweet Monday that read, “Applause to all women around the world who speak up, stand up and support other women!”
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