New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie “flat out lied” about his “Bridgegate” scandal according to a text message sent by his aide revealed in court documents obtained by TheWrap.
Back in 2013, Christie held a press conference to discuss the George Washington Bridge lane closure controversy, particularly to declare that campaign manager Bill Stepien wasn’t involved, while two of his aides text-messaged one another off stage.
“Are you listening? He just flat out lied about senior staff and Stepien not being involved,” then-aide Christina Renna wrote.
“I’m listening,” then-aide Peter Sheridan replied. “Gov is doing fine. Holding his own up there.”
Renna fired back, “Yes. But he lied.”
The text messages appear in court filings submitted Tuesday by attorneys representing Bill Baroni, who faces trial next month on charges that he helped plan the alleged political payback that turned into Bridgegate.
Christie was questioned by reporters following an appearance on sports talk radio in New York on Wednesday. “I absolutely dispute it. It’s ridiculous. It’s nothing new,” Christie said. “There’s nothing new to talk about.”
The Bridgegate controversy started when George Washington Bridge lane closures caused a traffic jam in Fort Lee, New Jersey in September 2013, leading many to speculate that it was retribution by Christie against the city’s mayor.
Stepien’s lawyer, Kevin Marino, on Wednesday called conjecture that Stepien was involved “categorically false and irresponsible,” according to the Associated Press.
Christie wasn’t charged and denies any involvement.
Pamela Chelin contributed to this report.