Britt McHenry, a press adviser at the U.S. State Department, has resigned after an incident at a Washington Wizards vs. Milwaukee Bucks game on Wednesday night. A source familiar with the situation told Page Six that McHenry was "forced to resign" following the event.
McHenry had been promoted to a new role leading External Affairs & Press for under secretary Jacob Helberg's team on Wednesday, the same day as the basketball game confrontation. The rapid turn of events led to her promotion and subsequent departure from the department within a 24-hour period.
A spokesperson for the Department of State stated, "We do not comment on internal personnel matters."
According to the source, the incident at Capital One Arena began when a man in the crowd started heckling Bucks player Kyle Kuzma. The man reportedly made negative comments about Kuzma's fiancée, Winnie Harlow.
The source claimed that McHenry, after being asked to "ease up," was then targeted by the fans, who allegedly threw a drink at her. However, video obtained by TMZ appeared to show McHenry throwing a drink first after fans chanted, "Get her out!" Following this, multiple items were reportedly thrown at her, and she was escorted from the arena to boos from the crowd.
This is not the first time McHenry's conduct has led to professional repercussions. In 2015, ESPN suspended her after she was captured on video verbally berating an employee of a towing company in Washington D.C., making disparaging remarks about their education and skills.
McHenry was reportedly hired as a press adviser covering Europe and Africa in September and also handled press for Kimberly Guilfoyle's team. She could not be reached for comment by deadline.