Watch CBS News

DNC apologizes for "inexcusable remarks" in emails

DNC kicks off
DNC opens without Debbie Wasserman Schultz 04:15

The Democratic National Committee issued a statement Monday offering "a deep and sincere apology to Senator Sanders" over remarks in internal emails recently made public by Wikileaks.

The apology comes days after an undisclosed person released thousands of emails to Wikileaks suggesting the Democratic National Committee, led by Chairman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, was biased in favor of Hillary Clinton throughout the primary. A few of the emails reveal Wasserman Schultz calling Sen. Sanders' campaign manager a "damn liar" while other officials ridicule Sanders' supporters and even question his religion.

Rep. Eric Swalwell reacts to DNC controversy 05:34

Wasserman Schultz has since resigned from the committee, and will now be an honorary co-chair of Hillary Clinton's campaign.

"These comments do not reflect the values of the DNC or our steadfast commitment to neutrality during the nominating process," the DNC's statement read. "The DNC does not -- and will not -- tolerate disrespectful language exhibited toward our candidates. Individual staffers have also rightfully apologized for their comments, and the DNC is taking appropriate action to ensure it never happens again."

The email controversy surfaced as the Democratic Party looked to present a unified front at their national convention in Cleveland, and the Clinton and Sanders campaigns have merged their floor whip teams in order to prevent discord. Former NAACP president and Bernie supporter Ben Jealous is one of the Sanders surrogates deployed to discourage disruptions during convention speeches.

That unified front, however, has already been challenged. Anti-Clinton delegates and attendees burst into boos when Rep. Marcia Fudge, the newly-elected Democratic convention chair, took the stage Monday afternoon.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.