Atlantic Journalist Releases Audio of Ejection from Crockett Event After Denial
In a striking development, Atlantic staff writer Elaine Godfrey has published an audio recording documenting her removal from a campaign event for Representative Jasmine Crockett. This release directly contradicts Crockett's earlier statements denying the incident ever took place.
Contradictory Claims and a Revealing Recording
The controversy began when Semafor reported on Tuesday that an Atlantic journalist had been ejected from Crockett's Monday campaign event in Lubbock, Texas. When questioned about the report on Wednesday, Crockett, who is running for Senate, dismissed it. She stated there was "no evidence" of such an exchange, calling it part of "silly season." She further alleged the journalist in question had a "history of being less than truthful" and had previously lost a defamation lawsuit.
On Thursday, Godfrey identified herself as the journalist who was removed. The situation escalated on Friday when she published the audio recording of the interaction. In the recording, a woman with a badge approaches Godfrey and instructs her to leave. When Godfrey asks why, the staffer reads from a phone: "They just said, 'Elaine from Atlantic, white girl with a hat and notepad. She's interviewing people in the crowd. She's a top-notch hater and will spin. She needs to leave.'" Godfrey states security guards then escorted her from the building.
Strong Condemnation from The Atlantic
Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, issued a firm statement condemning the actions. "In a democracy, elected officials answer questions from the press rather than hide from them," Goldberg said. "This is completely unacceptable behavior by Rep. Crockett and her team, and needs to be addressed immediately."
Furthermore, Anna Bross, senior vice president of communications for The Atlantic, explicitly refuted Crockett's claim that Godfrey had been sued for defamation, calling the assertion false.
Background and Broader Context of Tension
This incident occurs approximately seven months after Godfrey wrote a profile on Crockett for The Atlantic. Godfrey revealed that after Crockett learned Godfrey was interviewing other members of Congress about her, Crockett told Godfrey she was "shutting down the profile and revoking all provisions" before the story was even published.
Appearing on CNN on Friday, Godfrey suggested Crockett's actions might stem from lingering displeasure with that published profile. "I think she's still upset about that story even though I think it was a pretty fair story," Godfrey said. "I think it was good. I'm biased of course. ... She can call me a hater. It's the being kicked out that doesn't work for me."
This is not an isolated recent conflict between Crockett and the media. Semafor also reported that earlier this month, Crockett's campaign contacted the Capitol Police after CNN reporter Edward-Isaac Dovere attempted to visit her campaign office, alleging trespassing.
Crockett's office has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the newly released audio evidence.
