Rep. Thomas Massie confronted a Fox News Digital reporter, questioning the journalist's personal life and filming him after being asked about allegations made by a woman claiming to be his ex-girlfriend. The exchange occurred after the woman, identified as former congressional staffer Cynthia West, came forward with claims that Massie offered her $5,000 to drop a wrongful termination lawsuit and alleged that he bragged about a sexual encounter with Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo.
When presented with the allegations, Massie initially denied them, stating, "It’s all false." He then turned his phone on the reporter, initiating a line of questioning that included, "So let me ask you, I heard that you like gay porn. Is that true?" As the reporter attempted to disengage, Massie continued to film and ask, "Are you a real loser?" and questioned the legitimacy of Fox News as a news organization.
Massie's denial extended to the specific allegations regarding an encounter with Boebert, which he also called "all false." Boebert herself had previously reacted strongly when questioned about the same claims by the same reporter, exclaiming, "F--- you, first of all!" and calling the inquiries "sexist."
The allegations against Massie surfaced shortly before his defeat in the Republican primary on May 19, where he was challenged by a Trump-backed candidate.