Former Trump adviser Roger Stone denies using racially-charged language in radio interview
The 67-year-old appeared to believe his voice couldn't be heard on air as he seemed to refer to the presenter as a "negro".
Monday 20 July 2020 04:06, UK
A former adviser to Donald Trump has denied using racially-charged language in a radio interview just days after the US president commuted his prison sentence.
Roger Stone was sentenced in February for lying to Congress, witness tampering, and obstructing the investigation into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russia to win the 2016 election.
The 67-year-old appeared on the Mo'Kelly Show on Saturday in which they discussed the charges he was convicted of.
The show's presenter Morris Kelly suggested during the interview that Stone's 40-month sentence was commuted because of his relationship with Mr Trump.
Kelly said: "There are thousands of people treated unfairly daily (in the justice system). Hell, your number just happened to come up in the lottery. I'm guessing it was more than just luck, Roger, right?"
Stone then appeared to believe his voice couldn't be heard on air as he seemed to say to somebody with him: "I don't really feel like arguing with this negro."
Kelly then says: "I'm sorry what was that Roger?
"I'm sorry what did you say? I'm sorry you're arguing with whom? I thought we were having just a very spirited conversation, what happened?"
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Stone remains silent for several seconds before saying: "Hello, are you there?"
Kelly then continues: "I was talking and you said something about negro so I wasn't exactly sure."
Stone replies: "I did not, you're out of your mind, you're out of your mind."
Kelly then says he will "let the listeners decide" before changing the subject to Stone's support for Mr Trump's upcoming campaign for re-election.
Stone says: "I don't expect any formal offer (for a job on the campaign), nor do I expect to join the campaign. As a private citizen I will be acting on the president's behalf - writing, speaking advocating.
"But I don't expect to be offered a job, nor am I looking for a job, at least not that kind of job.
"I have to go out and make a living."
Kelly later tweeted: "Hey everyone. I heard what I heard. The audio is the audio. I will address in Hour 2. We're blowing out the second half of the show. #RogerStone I am nobody's NEGRO."
Stone had been due to report to prison by Tuesday 14 July before the White House confirmed the commuting of his sentence.
The White House said Stone was a victim of the Russia "hoax".