The CEO of Mississippi Today has issued an apology over comments she made alleging former Governor Phil Bryant is behind the state’s infamous welfare scandal.
“I misspoke at a recent media conference regarding the accusations against former Governor Phil Bryant in the $77 million welfare scandal.” Mary Margaret White said in a statement. “He has not been charged with any crime. My remark was inappropriate, and I sincerely apologize.”
The apology from White comes after Bryant released a letter stating his intentions to file a defamation lawsuit against Mississippi Today, citing remarks made by White during a February panel discussion hosted by the Knight Foundation.
During the discussion, White asserted: “We’re the newsroom that broke the story about $77 million in welfare funds, intended for the poorest people in the poorest state in the nation, being embezzled by a former governor and his bureaucratic cronies to be used on pet projects like a state-of-the-art volleyball stadium at Brett Favre’s alma mater.”
The comments from White came even though Bryant has not been charged with any crimes related to the scandal.
Bryant’s letter – which was also addressed to editor-in-chief Adam Ganucheau and reporter Anna Wolfe – requested that Ganucheau and Wolfe also issue public apologies over statements the two made during a recent podcast in which Bryant’s attorney says inaccurately represents his client’s connection to the case.
At this time, it remains unclear if the former governor plans to move forward with his lawsuit against Mississippi Today.
Former Governor Phil Bryant plans to sue Mississippi Today over welfare scandal reporting
