Former New York Times opinion editor James Bennet reportedly issued a heartfelt apology to Sarah Palin during a federal libel hearing on Thursday.
Bennet became emotional as he admitted to making a significant error in a 2017 editorial that mistakenly linked Palin’s political action committee to the 2011 mass shooting that severely injured Rep. Gabby Giffords and resulted in the deaths of six others.
“I did, and I do apologize to Gov. Palin for this mistake,” he stated, visibly moved as he accepted a box of tissues from his lawyer. U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff described Bennet’s apology as “heartfelt” and “moving.”
However, Palin seemed unimpressed by the emotional display, remarking outside the courthouse, “Let’s see, how many years ago was the untruth?” She indicated her intention to continue with her case as she prepares to testify next week.
The editorial in question was published following the shooting of then-House GOP Whip Steve Scalise at a congressional baseball practice.
It argued that inflammatory political rhetoric could incite violence and incorrectly suggested a direct connection between a map from Palin’s PAC, which featured crosshairs over Democratic lawmakers’ districts, and the 2011 shooting.
After the editorial was published, The New York Times issued a correction, acknowledging that it had “incorrectly stated that a link existed” and misrepresented the map.
Although a previous court ruling had dismissed the case, an appeals court allowed Palin another chance, citing procedural errors in the original trial.
As the case unfolds, Bennet’s apology raises questions about accountability in journalism and the impact of liberal media narratives on public figures.
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