New Republic pulls out of the climate forum after an offensive article on Pete Buttigieg.

The reaction was fast and fierce. The New Republic apologized and retracted an article by Dale Peck entitled "My Problem with Mayor Pete" shortly after it was released on Friday. But this was not enough to dispel the anger provoked by the text that was quickly criticized on social networks for its homophobia and vulgarity. In the article, Peck called Buttigieg "Mary Pete" and speculated on her sexual activities, saying that it would be too sexual to make a good president. The New Republic deleted the piece from its site and replaced it with a note from the publisher. Win McCormack, editor of TNR, apologized Saturday saying it was a mistake to publish his article that was "both inappropriate and offensive. "

As a result of the controversy, TNR left the network as co-organizer of the climate forum scheduled for September. TNR and Gizmodo announced Thursday the "Presidential Summit on Climate", presenting it as an opportunity to spend a lot of time listening to candidates' plans to deal with climate change. However, TNR abandoned the event after several sponsors announced that they would no longer participate, due to the Gizmodo-qualified article "offensive and homophobic attack against the Democratic candidate" Pete Buttigieg ". More be a co-sponsor of the forum: "This incident was totally incompatible with our values ​​of journalists and with the inclusive atmosphere that we intend to promote during the event."

TNR left the summit shortly after at least three sponsors announced that they would no longer participate in the event. "The play, and the choice to perform, are inconsistent with our values," the league of conservation voters wrote on Twitter. The Center for the American Progress Action Fund, NRDC Action Fund, and Earthjustice Action also released the event.

When asked about his reaction to the article, Buttigieg told The Associated Press that he "appreciated" that TNR had removed it. "I do not think it really reflects the New Republic that I know," he said.