VisitPittsburgh Responds To Criticism Of 'Undercover Boss' Donation

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The identity of one of the organizations that gave money to Pittsburgh's mayor for his appearance on "Undercover Boss" is now known.

On the reality show episode that aired last month, Mayor Bill Peduto handed out $155,000 to city employees.

It's been revealed that $25,000 of that came from "VisitPittsburgh," an organization that promotes the city. It gets most of its funding from the hotel tax.

They're now responding to criticism that public money was used for the show.

"Our executive board made this decision based solely on this promotional opportunity to promote the city," said Craig Davis, VisitPittsburgh's president and CEO. "There was no consideration as to what the money would be used for. This was simply for us an opportunity to showcase the city in a very positive light."

Mayor Peduto says the money was raised through private donations.

He says the donors don't expect anything in return.

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