An employee with the Trump Organization has taken the fall for the apparent plagiarism of Michelle Obama's 2008 Democratic National Convention speech, Talking Points Memo reports.
Accusations of plagiarism started making the rounds following Monday night's Republican National Convention, where Melania Trump, the wife of Donald Trump, spoke. The similarities between her speech and Michelle Obama's were quickly pointed out.
The employee, Meredith McIver, helped Melania Trump write her speech for the convention and acknowledged that she used Michelle Obama's speech by mistake after Melania Trump read some excerpts from the first lady's speech over the phone.
"Over the phone, she read me some passages from Mrs. Obama’s speech as examples. I wrote them down and later included some of the phrasing in the draft that ultimately became the final speech. I did not check Mrs. Obama’s speeches," McIver said in the statement. "This was my mistake, and I feel terrible for the chaos I have caused Melania and the Trumps, as well as to Mrs. Obama. No harm was meant."
McIver said that she offered her resignation, but the Trumps rejected it.
"Mr. Trump told me that people make innocent mistakes and that we learn and grow from these experiences," she said.
"I asked to put out this statement because I did not like seeing the way this was distracting from Mr. Trump’s historic campaign for president and Melania’s beautiful message and presentation," McIver added in her statement. "I apologize for the confusion and hysteria my mistake has caused. Today, more than ever, I am honored to work for such a great family. I personally admire the way Mr. Trump has handled this situation and I am grateful for his understanding."
Read more at Talking Points Memo.