Montana Congressman Apologizes, Pays $50K For Body-Slamming Reporter

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By Anders Hagstrom

Montana Republican Rep. Greg Gianforte agreed Wednesday to donate $50,000 to the Committee to Protect Journalists as a settlement to prevent a lawsuit after the Montana politician “body-slammed” Guardian reporter Ben Jacobs on May 24.

Gianforte wrote a letter profusely apologizing for his actions in addition to the $50,000 donation, the Guardian reports. In return, Jacobs agreed not to pursue a lawsuit. Gianforte still faces criminal charges for misdemeanor assault, however. He has pleaded no contest to the charges and could face an additional $500 fine and/or up to six months in prison. (RELATED: Gianforte Wins In Montana Special Election)

“My physical response to your legitimate question was unprofessional, unacceptable, and unlawful,” Gianforte’s letter to Jacobs read. “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.”

“I have accepted Mr Gianforte’s apology and his willingness to take responsibility for his actions and statements,” Jacobs 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.”

The altercation between the Jacobs and Gianforte came on the eve a special election to replace Secretary Ryan Zinke, who left Montana’s sole House seat vacant when he was President Donald Trump tapped him to lead the Department of the Interior. Jacobs asked Gianforte about the Congressional Budget Office’s score of the House’s recently passed American Health Care Act, according to an audio recording of the altercation posted by The Guardian.

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