One of several journalists who have taken issue with the reporting in an article in the premiere issue of Brill's Content magazine, Susan Schmidt of the Washington Post, wrote this June 15, 1998 letter to editor Steven Brill, claiming he misquoted her in his piece on reporting during the Monica Lewinsky scandal.

"Your article has damaged me and several other fine reporters," Schmidt wrote Brill.

Independent counsel Kenneth Starr also criticized Brill for his reporting.

Brill responded to Schmidt the following day, saying that he specifically remembered her statements to him.

Mr. Steven Brill
Brill's Content
521 5th Avenue, 11th Floor
New York, NY 10175

Mr Brill,

In your "Pressgate piece you offer only one bit of evidence that the office of independent counsel "leaked" specific information to me regarding the Monica Lewinsky investigation. It is a purported quotation in which you have me saying that the Friday before The Washington Post broke the Lewinsky story I "heard from sources in Starr's office something about Vernon Jordan and coaching a witness."

I never said that and it is false. Anyone who knows me knows that I would never discuss my sources with anyone other than my editors.

I did not receive that information from anyone in Starr's office. My editors know -- and knew at the time -- where the information came from. My work depends on my ability to keep confidences. By claiming I have disclosed my sources to you, you have defamed me and damaged my reputation.

I demand an immediate and public correction of this false assertion by you.

You also falsified a quotation from me about the Lewis C. Fox story, in which you quote me as saying "Clinton testified that he was never alone with [Lewinsky], and this guy makes him a liar. Period." I did not call the president a "liar."

Your article has damaged me and several other fine reporters, but it is your reputation that is stained most deeply by it.

Susan Schmidt

Susan Schmidt
The Washington Post
1150 15th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20071-7403

Dear Sue:

Thank you for your letter of June 15.

I specifically remember your having made both the statements you now dispute. And my notes clearly reflect that.

I should add that when Howard Kurtz first spoke to me on Saturday about your disputing the second quote, I specifically asked him if you had disputed the first Vernon Jordan quote, because I, too, thought it might be particularly embarassing to you. And Howie specifically said you had not mentioned it. Similarly, in Howie's Sunday piece you get lots of space, but don't dispute the Vernon Jordan quote. I'm sorry you now feel you have to.

Sincerely,
Steve