Stanton calls Phoenix Diablo ‘fake news’

Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton accused Phoenix Diablo of being 'fake news' in a firestorm of tweets early Saturday morning.
Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton accused Phoenix Diablo of being ‘fake news’ in a firestorm of tweets early Saturday morning.

Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton accused Phoenix Diablo of reporting ‘fake news’ after the news organization published an investigation that revealed that the mayor was, in fact, a clown.

“When will Phoenix Diablo stop falsely reporting that I am a ‘ghost’ or ‘clown’ and focus on Crooked Hillary’s ties to Russia? Sad! FAKE NEWS,” Stanton tweeted at 2 a.m. Saturday and reiterated at a press conference at City Hall.

In 2015, Phoenix Diablo reported that Stanton was a ghost during his entire time as Phoenix mayor. In 2016, Diablo corrected the story to correctly report that Stanton was actually a clown the entire time.

Stanton has repeatedly butted heads with the media since taking office as mayor, but Saturday marks the first time he has completely discredited a news organization. Stanton has been known throughout his time as mayor for giving more access to news organizations that give him more favorable coverage.

Breitbart co-founder and noted ethics expert Steve Bannon criticized Stanton for his remarks, saying the mayor wasn’t giving facts and truth the respect they deserve.

“Calling a respected downtown Phoenix news organization ‘fake news’ is extremely disrespectful,” Bannon said. “But besides that, it also undermines the value of the truth.”

At a press conference called by Stanton Saturday morning, the mayor spent the majority of the time criticizing Phoenix Diablo’s coverage of downtown Phoenix, but would not take questions from the publication.

Sonia Kunthara, executive editor of Phoenix Diablo, stood firm in the website’s decision to publish the explosive reports about Stanton

“We are proud of our coverage of downtown Phoenix and see holding public officials like Mayor Stanton accountable as a great responsibility,” Kunthara said. “It’s ‘sad!’ that someone would use their public platform to discredit us, but we will continue to do the fearless, necessary journalism we are known for.”

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