CNN’s Jim Acosta Apologizes After Saying ‘F– You’ to Twitter Troll

Jon Levine
Updated

CNN White House correspondent Jim Acosta apologized on Friday for saying “F– You” to a Twitter user in a direct message. In a tweet, Acosta said he had confused the person for an old friend.

“Hey buddy I thought you were an old friend from the campaign days. I’m so sorry. Hope I didn’t offend you. Have a good night and take care,” he said.

Hey buddy I thought you were an old friend from the campaign days. I’m so sorry. Hope I didn’t offend you. Have a good night and take care. https://t.co/4u9fj1BNPI

— Jim Acosta (@Acosta) October 19, 2018

Also Read: Jim Acosta to Haters: 'I'm Allowed to Care About This Country' (Video)

The imbroglio began after Justin Caporale, a GOP consultant and former aide to first lady Melania Trump, attempted to troll Acosta after the CNN reporter complained about loud music at a Trump campaign rally he was covering.

“Tonight the Trump campaign/WH turned up the music so loud the press risers were vibrating,” said Acosta. “Nearly impossible to do live TV. I suppose the WH loves those kinds of shenanigans. But I wonder if it’s a security concern for USSS or local law enforcement. They can’t hear either.”

“Dear Diary…..” mocked Caporale.

Dear Diary…..

— justin (@justincap_) October 19, 2018

That resulted in Acosta sending Caporale a private direct message with a blunt two word rejoinder before subsequently blocking him. Daily Caller reporter Peter Hasson, who was allowed access into Caporale’s Twitter account, confirmed that the message was real and offered by Acosta unsolicited.

IM SORRY. WHATTTT?????

@@CNN @CNNPolitics pic.twitter.com/dnvAP2KKsw

— justin (@justincap_) October 19, 2018

And then he blocked me. pic.twitter.com/F5cq84LAF8

— justin (@justincap_) October 19, 2018

It’s unclear why Acosta would move to immediately block someone he thought was an “old friend.” Acosta did not immediately respond to request for comment from TheWrap. Reps for CNN declined to comment. Reached by phone, Caporale also declined to comment.

Acosta has long been a lightning rod among Trump-die hards and a frequent jousting partner for the president at press events. Trump has disparaged him to his face on live television as fake news. When Sarah Sanders held more regular press briefings, her sharp exchanges with the CNN reporter also frequently made headlines.

Read original story CNN’s Jim Acosta Apologizes After Saying ‘F– You’ to Twitter Troll At TheWrap