BuzzFeed defends reporter behind bombshell Cohen story

Buzzfeed released a statement Friday defending writer Jason Leopold and the report he co-authored alleging that President Trump directed his former longtime lawyer Michael Cohen to lie to Congress amid criticism.

CNN’s Oliver Darcy wrote a story saying that Leopold is a reporter with “a checkered past,” noting that the reporter’s credibility has been questioned over alleged plagiarism in a 2002 article for Salon and for writing in 2006 that Karl Rove would be indicted, citing people with knowledge of discussions.

 “Our response to CNN’s — and all other reports — questioning the integrity of the reporters behind BuzzFeed News’ latest bombshell investigation,” the company wrote on Twitter.

“Jason is one of the best journalists in the world, and he has proven it, with reporting that’s been months ahead of developments in the Mueller investigation. His and Anthony’s work has been proven to be true at every turn – and it’s interesting that these personal attacks are surfacing only now, as the facts become more dangerous for the individuals involved. BuzzFeed News stands by this story 100%.”

{mosads}Leopold and Anthony Cormier’s report received some criticism since being released.

Cormier appeared on CNN Friday morning, and said that he had not personally seen the documents proving their report.

“No, I’ve not seen it personally,” he said, but insisted that his sources are “fully, 100 percent read-in to that aspect of the special counsel’s investigation.”

Leopold appeared on MSNBC later in the day and expressed confidence in his reporting.

“I don’t think we’ve said we haven’t seen them,” he said. “But I will say that I’m confident that they exist.”