Breitbart reporter doubts assault of colleague by Trump campaign manager, gets indefinitely suspended

Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski talks to reporters
(Image credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

On Friday, Breitbart News said it stood by the account of reporter Michelle Fields, who said she was roughed up while trying to ask Donald Trump a question at his victory rally on Tuesday, with a Washington Post reporter identifying her assailant as Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski (pictured). Fields has also filed a formal report with the police. On Thursday, Trump had said he believed Fields "made the story up," despite there being audio of the encounter, an eyewitness (and on-the-record) account, and bruises on Fields' arm.

But Trump and his campaign aren't the only skeptics — Breitbart reporter Patrick Howley tweeted (then deleted) his own doubts about Fields' assault, echoing the Trump line that if there isn't video, it didn't happen. On Thursday afternoon, Breitbart said Howley's "comments were inappropriate" and senior management "has decided to suspend him indefinitely effective immediately." Lewandowski, Breitbart News CEO Larry Solov said, "must accept responsibility for his actions and apologize."

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Peter Weber, The Week US

Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.