Michael Cohen Demanded The Onion Remove ‘Disgusting’ Trump Story in 2013
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
The editors of the satire news site The Onion revealed to Politico on Sunday that they received an angry email from Donald Trump’s lawyer Michael Cohen in 2013, fuming over a satirical article published under Trump’s name with the headline, “When You’re Feeling Low, Just Remember I’ll Be Dead In About 15 Or 20 Years.”
Cohen demanded on Trump’s behalf that The Onion immediately remove the article and apologize.
“This commentary goes way beyond defamation and, if not immediately removed, I will take all actions necessary to ensure your actions do not go without consequence,” Cohen wrote, according to a copy of the email provided to Politico. “Guide yourself accordingly.”
On Monday, The Onion published the email in a piece titled, “‘The Onion’ Has Finally Read Michael Cohen’s 2013 Email Regarding His Client Donald Trump And Would Like To Discuss The Matter Further At His Convenience.” It noted that Cohen had advised the publication to “contact immediately to discuss.”
“As Mr. Trump is now the leader of the free world, now is clearly the best time to resume our discussion,” the Onion wrote. “While it is generally not our policy to let outside forces affect our editorial decisions, the opportunity to gain a direct line to the president clearly presents a special case. We would be more than willing to accommodate Mr. Cohen’s wishes — provided we get something in return, of course. A quid pro quo, if you will.”
The article added that The Onion hasn’t been able to reach Cohen.
“We are growing concerned that you have remained silent because you have been building a rock-solid case against us for the last five years, and in fact shudder to even imagine the detailed, thorough, and likely damning charges you would bring forward.”
Contact Alyssa Fisher at [email protected] or on Twitter, @alyssalfisher
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