Yesterday we noted an interview which saw veteran war journalist Tom Ricks accuse Fox News of “hyping” the attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, and FNC cutting his interview short. FNC executive VP of news Michael Clemente told The Hollywood Reporter that Ricks apologized off-air:
“When Mr. Ricks ignored the anchor’s question, it became clear that his goal was to bring attention to himself — and his book,” Clemente said in an e-mail to THR. “He apologized in our offices afterward but doesn’t have the strength of character to do that publicly.”
Ricks, who is in the middle of a publicity tour for his book The Generals, disputed that claim, telling THR:
“Please ask Mr. Clemente what the words of my supposed apology were. I’d be interested to know,” he said. “Frankly, I don’t remember any such apology.”
Update: Clemente calls Ricks’ response “utterly dishonest,” and told TVNewser what Ricks told FNC staffers after his segment:
“I’m surprised by the General’s utter dishonesty,” Clemente says. “I’ll refresh his memory – what he said following the segment was, ‘Sorry… I’m tired from a non-stop book tour.’ Perhaps now he can finally get some rest.”