Updated Wed., Jan. 29, 12 pm EST: Rep. Michael Grimm (R-N.Y.) has apologized to NY1 political reporter Michael Scotto for threatening him after the State of the Union address.
According to Time Warner Cable's NY1, Grimm called the reporter Wednesday morning and said that he "overreacted." Scotto tweeted about the phone apology.
A written apology was also released after the phone call:
I was wrong. I shouldn’t have allowed my emotions to get the better of me and lose my cool. I have apologized to Michael Scotto, which he graciously accepted, and will be scheduling a lunch soon. In the weeks and months ahead I’ll be working hard for my constituents on issues like flood insurance that is so desperately needed in my district post Sandy.
Earlier:
New York Rep. Michael Grimm is in a not-so-flattering spotlight after video footage surfaced after Tuesday night's State of the Union address showing the Republican congressman intimidating a reporter.
In the video, Grimm can be seen dismissing political reporter Michael Scotto and walking away after being asked a question about his alleged campaign-finance violations that he did not want to answer. Grimm is currently under federal investigation for the allegations.
Shortly after the reporter tells the camera that Grimm doesn't want to address the rumors, Grimm confronts him, and a muffled, tense conversation begins.
According to a transcript by NY1, Grimm approached the reporter and began speaking:
"What?" Scotto responded. "I just wanted to ask you … "
Grimm: "Let me be clear to you, you ever do that to me again I'll throw you off this [f—king] balcony."
Scotto: "Why? I just wanted to ask you …"
[cross talk]
Grimm: "If you ever do that to me again … "
Scotto: "Why? Why? It’s a valid question."
[cross talk]
Grimm: "No, no, you're not man enough, you're not man enough. I'll break you in half. Like a boy."
Grimm has since released a statement:
I was extremely annoyed because I was doing NY1 a favor by rushing to do their interview first in lieu of several other requests. The reporter knew that I was in a hurry and was only there to comment on the State of the Union, but insisted on taking a disrespectful and cheap shot at the end of the interview, because I did not have time to speak off-topic. I verbally took the reporter to task and told him off, because I expect a certain level of professionalism and respect, especially when I go out of my way to do that reporter a favor. I doubt that I am the first Member of Congress to tell off a reporter, and I am sure I won’t be the last.
NY1 Political Director Bob Hardt also released a statement:
It is extremely disturbing when anyone threatens one of our reporters—let alone a U.S. Congressman. The NY1 family is certainly alarmed and disappointed by the behavior of Representative Grimm and demands a full apology from him. This behavior is unacceptable.
Grimm has been under scrutiny since the FBI charged Diana Durand, his ex-girlfriend, earlier this month with using straw donors to contribute more than the legal limit to his campaign. She reportedly offered to reimburse a group of friends if they contributed to the campaign.
Grimm has not been charged in connection with the investigation.
Read more at NY1.