Transcript for Alleged plot against Robert Mueller referred to FBI
Robin. To claims of an alleged plot to level made up accusations of sexual misconduct against Robert Mueller. According to reports a woman claims to have been offered $20,000 to make false accusations of sexual misconduct and workplace harassment against him. Our chief justice correspondent Pierre Thomas has the latest on that. Good morning, Pierre. Reporter: Robin, good morning. A bizarre story unfolding that has one basic question. Is there a plot to frame the special counselee this morning allegations of a possible smear campaign against Robert Mueller. Several reporters say a woman contacted them claiming to have been offered tens of thousands of dollars to make false accusations of sexual misconduct and workplace harassment against Mueller and today a rare statement issued in response from special counsel spokesman Peter Carr. When we learned last week of allegations that women were offered money to make false claims about the special counsel we immediately referred to the matter to the FBI for investigation. The atlantic claims the woman revealed to reporters she received a call from a man who said he represented known right-wing conspiracy peddler jack Burkman. He offered to have damaging information on Mueller. Some of the reporters contacted by the woman apparently did not talk to her by phone but only through electronic communication and there were difficulties confirming her identity. In those, the woman said she was rarely in contact with Mueller when she worked with him years ago at a law firm and that he was never inappropriate. A second woman who has been identified and who spoke to reporters in recent days tells a similar story about being offered payment saying she never had any encounters with the special counsel. These stories were peddled to a number of journalists including investigative reporter Ronan farrow who has broken stories involving high-profile men accused of sexual harassment. Burkman issued a statement saying he’s being smeared and never paid women to bring these allegations. Robin. All right, Pierre, thank you.
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