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New York Times Reporter Apologizes for Spreading Melania Trump Rumor

Jacob Bernstein came forward after being called out by Emily Ratajkowski

Jacob Bernstein, son of famed Washington Post reporter Carl Bernstein, stepped forward Tuesday and said he was the New York Times writer who was reprimanded for spreading unfounded rumors about first lady Melania Trump.

The allegations were made public by model/actress Emily Ratajkowski, who took to social media to blast Bernstein for the comments.

In response to the uproar, Melania Trump tagged Ratajkowski in a tweet in which she applauded all women "who speak up."

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Without naming Bernstein, a New York Times spokesman confirmed to NBC the incident occurred and that the reporter involved had been reprimanded.

"At a party last night, a Times reporter who does not cover Washington or politics, referred to an unfounded rumor regarding Melania Trump. 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."

Earlier this month a Maryland judge dismissed Trump's libel lawsuit against Britain's Daily Mail newspaper over an article that contained insinuations that she had worked as an escort.

Trump refiled the lawsuit last week.

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