VP Mike Pence labels ongoing feud with Olympic skater 'fake news'

Vice President Pence has dubbed a USA Today Sports report “fake news” as tensions simmer between Pence and Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon.

After reading a January interview in which Rippon, who’s openly gay, criticized Pence, the VP’s staff reportedly reached out to the athlete to set up a meeting. USA Today reported Rippon ultimately declined, which Pence’s staff now disputes.

Pence tweeted, “One reporter trying to distort 18 yr old nonstory to sow seeds of division. We won’t let that happen! #FAKENEWS. Our athletes are the best in the world and we are for ALL of them!”

In that January interview with Rippon, the skater criticized Pence’s assigned role as head of the U.S. delegation at the Olympics Games, telling USA Today, “You mean Mike Pence, the same Mike Pence that funded gay conversion therapy? I’m not buying it.”

Rippon was likely referencing Pence’s purported quote on his congressional campaign website from 2000, which read, “Resources should be directed toward those institutions which provide assistance to those seeking to change their sexual behavior.”

Pence also addressed Rippon directly, tweeting, “I want you to know we are FOR YOU. Don’t let fake news distract you. I am proud of you and ALL OF OUR GREAT athletes and my only hope for you and all of #TeamUSA is to bring home the gold. Go get ‘em!”

When asked about the back and forth, Rippon told reporters, “I'm just kind of focused on the competition. The opening ceremony is tomorrow. I don't mind talking about it but I don't want to distract my teammates.”