We’ve all been there before – You’re at a party after a long, hard week at work and it’s finally time to let loose. You have a beer or two, and then another, and another… Until you wake up the next morning and have no clue what happened during the past 48 hours. And, because we’ve all been there, no one judges those people when that state hits them. However, CNN anchor Arwa Damon seems to have taken the post-work stress-relief binger a bit(e) too far.
On Monday, TMZ broke the news that CNN and Damon were being sued by two EMTs due to her actions at the US Embassy in Baghdad in July. After having one (or several) too many drinks, Damon became unruly and violent. Authorities were called to assist with the situation, and things only went downhill from there.
While trying to assist Damon, EMTs Charles Simons and Tracy Lamar claim to have been bitten by a “seriously intoxicated” and violent Damon. Instead of apologizing for her actions or attempting to rectify the situation, Damon then allegedly threatened the paramedics, stating that she “was a major reporter for CNN.”
Morning. I'm a big fan of CNN's Arwa Damon, bold, courageous and true. Cut her some slack. Covering Baghdad etc could drive anyone to drink.
— Geraldo Rivera (@GeraldoRivera) August 5, 2014
On Monday, CNN stated that “We are not aware of the alleged lawsuit and therefore have no comment.” Today, however, a CNN representative stated, “We are aware of the lawsuit and are looking into it.”
The news has to come as a shock to CNN, who considers Damon one of their best reporters. Damon has been employed at CNN since 2006, during which time she has covered many stories in the Middle East. Earlier this year, Damon was awarded the Courage in Journalism Award by the International Women’s Media Foundation. The foundation stated that “Regardless of the constant shelling and sniper fire during her last trip to Homs, Arwa Damon’s persistence, strength and focus on bringing forth what needs to be known in order to help document history, has her standing tall amidst the rubble.”
One of the very best, and most courageous correspondents in world news > @arwaCNN
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) August 5, 2014
While Damon nor CNN have admitted guilt yet, an apology emailed by Damon to the embassy staff seems to be an admission of guilt:
It’s been an extremely stressful time, I was exhausted, I had not had proper food all day and clearly miscalculated how my body would handle the alcohol consumed … Needless to say, I am utterly mortified and take full responsibility for my actions, which are inexcusable.
I am being filled in on the details of my behavior. I am beyond embarrassed. My actions and words were entirely out of my character, and I hope that everyone can at some point forgive me.
So once again, I am apologizing and extending my thanks to all that were involved in ensuring that I am, thankfully, in the end, taken care of and physically at least OK. Everyone was extremely professional and courteous in the face of my unjustified behavior.
Both paramedics are seeking $1 million in punitive damages.
Image via YouTube