Features writer Jacob Bernstein has been reprimanded by the New York Times after referring to the First Lady as a “hooker” at an event Sunday night.
The NY Times are calling the comments “completely inappropriate” and Bernstein has been under a deluge of criticism that began on Monday after supermodel Emily Ratajkowski outed him for his remarks in a series of tweets.
Sat next to a journalist from the NYT last night who told me "Melania is a hooker." Whatever your politics it's crucial to call this out for
— Emily Ratajkowski (@emrata) February 13, 2017
what it is: slut shaming. I don't care about her nudes or sexual history and no one should.
— Emily Ratajkowski (@emrata) February 13, 2017
Gender specific attacks are disgusting sexist bullshit.
— Emily Ratajkowski (@emrata) February 13, 2017
Bernstein was reportedly sitting next to Ratajkowski at a New York Fashion Week event when he made the comments. She referred to his remarks as “disgusting sexist bull—t.”
A Times spokesperson said in a statement to POLITICO. “The comment was not intended to be public, but it was nonetheless completely inappropriate and should not have occurred. Editors have talked to the reporter in question about the lapse.”
Bernstein later apologized(sort of)via his own tweet.
2. Speaking at a party in what I thought was a personal conversation, I nevertheless made a stupid remark about the first lady.
— Jacob Bernstein (@BernsteinJacob) February 14, 2017
Melania has not specifically addressed her feelings about the reporter, but she has expressed her gratitude to Ratajkowski and others for not letting these comments go unpunished.
Applause to all women around the world who speak up, stand up and support other women! @emrata #PowerOfEveryWoman #PowerOfTheFirstLady
— Melania Trump 45 Archived (@FLOTUS45) February 14, 2017
Many thanks to First Lady Melania Trump for keeping it classy in the face of so much unwarranted hatred and bigotry.
Here’s how Melania actually met Donald: