Texas House Speaker Dennis Bonnen Apologizes for Saying ‘Terrible Things’

Texas House Speaker Dennis Bonnen sent an email to members of the Texas House Tuesday afternoon apologizing for saying "terrible things" about other members of the Texas House.

The email is the latest twist in a story that began two weeks ago when Michael Quinn Sullivan of Empower Texans alleged that he was offered media credentials in exchange for targeting a group of 10 House Republicans. The offer was allegedly made during a meeting he had with Speaker Bonnen and Rep. Dustin Burrows. Bonnen denied the accusations.

Last week, Sullivan announced he had secretly recorded the meeting. Since then, he's allowed certain lawmakers and activists to hear the recording. Bonnen called on Sullivan to release the full audio, which has not been done yet. Each person who has heard the audio has claimed that Sullivan was telling the truth.

On Tuesday, Bonnen stopped short of admitting he lied and did not address the accusations of offering media credentials. Instead, he apologized to Texas House members for meeting with Sullivan and saying "terrible things" according to the Dallas Morning News:

"Dear Members,

I'm sorry. I was stupid to take a meeting with an individual who has worked hard to divide our House. It was a mistake.I said terrible things that are embarrassing to the members, to the House, and to me personally. You know me well enough to know I say things with no filter. That's not an excuse for the hurtful things I said or the discussion that was had.Once again, I call for the release of the entire unedited recording so the House is no longer held hostage, and we can begin to heal.I have reached out to many of you, and I want to visit with all of you. I hope I have the chance to apologize to you personally.I am truly sorry from the bottom of my heart. I ask for your forgiveness, and I hope to rebuild your trust.

-Dennis"

Burrows has yet to comment on the meeting or what was alleged by Sullivan.