CNN’s Abby Phillip torches ex-Trump aide for calling co-panelist ‘dear’ during fiery Matt Gaetz debate: ‘Do not do that at my table’

A former aide to President-elect Donald Trump was reprimanded on the air by CNN host Abby Phillip for referring to a female co-panelist as “dear” during a contentious discussion about Matt Gaetz.

Bruce LeVell, a GOP official who served as the executive director of the National Diversity Coalition during Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, appeared on Wednesday’s edition of CNN’s “News Night with Abby Phillip” alongside several co-panelists including Julie Roginsky, a Democratic Party strategist.

The panel members were discussing the decision by Trump to nominate former Rep. Matt Gaetz as Attorney General in light of allegations that the ex-Florida lawmaker was engaged in sexual conduct with a minor.

Gaetz, who withdrew from consideration for the Attorney General position, has denied the claims and no charges were filed by the Justice Department.

During the discussion, LeVell noted that Gaetz was never indicted for sex trafficking because the investigation found there “was nothing there.”

Roginsky argued that the alleged crime didn’t take place, saying: “They said they didn’t have enough to indict — that shouldn’t be the standard.”

LeVell then replied: “No, to charge, dear.” The “dear” comment caused a stir as Roginsky was visibly taken aback.

“Dear? Excuse me? Well thank you for the misogyny,” Roginsky replied.

Phillip then paused the discussion to pointedly admonish LeVell, saying: “I’m just going to stop it right here because we’re not going to get off on a wrong foot.”

“Please do not address a grown woman as dear in a condescending tone, do not do that at my table,” Phillip said.

LeVell appeared humbled by Phillip’s reprimand, saying “OK” before the panel continued its discussion.

Gaetz was once embroiled in a sex trafficking investigation by the Justice Department. He has also been under scrutiny by the House Ethics Committee over allegations including sexual misconduct.

That probe effectively ended on Wednesday, though, when Gaetz resigned from Congress.

Gaetz, a staunch Trump defender, has spent years enmeshed in scandals that doomed his confirmation by the Republican-led Senate.

Gaetz has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, and said last year that the Justice Department’s investigation into sex trafficking allegations involving underage girls had ended with no federal charges against him.

The Post has sought comment from CNN, LeVell and Roginsky.

With Post Wires