KGW reporter Chris Willis apologized on Facebook for comments he made during an interview with a man who has been accused of rape.
“A note to my Facebook fans: I am sorry for the comments I made in a recent interview that was published on KGW’s website,” wrote Willis about the interview with Joel Magid and his attorney. “They do not reflect my views or values. I did not intend to offend anyone in any way and I apologize unreservedly for what was said. I understand the remarks I made were offensive. That was not my intent, but it was the result and I am devastated by that. I sincerely apologize and pledge to learn from this experience as I continue to cover the important issues affecting our community.”
Willis, along with a production employee of the Portland, Oregon NBC affiliate, were recorded talking to Magid and his lawyer about the rape allegations after Magid confessed on Facebook to a separate sexual assault. During a portion of the interview that did not air, Willis asks if the accuser was a stripper. At one point the production employee could be heard saying Magid was the victim instead of the accuser.
TEGNA told TVSpy it had no further comment on the issue.
“You’re not a Muppet, you’re an adult. no one’s hand is up your ass deciding what you say. when words come out of your mouth off the cuff, they belong to you. they are yours, and they reflect your values and views,” wrote one commenter. “This is Yet Another “I’m sorry I got busted” non-apology.”
Here’s one of many clips of the interview tweeted by Portland Mercury reporter Doug Brown.
31 – here's a @KGWNews guy interjecting to show support to Joel Magid: "You're victimized" because a woman reported to police he raped her pic.twitter.com/d7AaNdLxwt
— doug brown (@dougbrown8) September 23, 2016