The Rev. Al Sharpton has, according to the New York Times, accepted an apology from Sam Nunberg, a former adviser to real estate magnate and 2016 GOP presidential frontrunner Donald Trump—who was fired over the weekend after revelations that in 2007 racially insensitive comments about Sharpton’s daughter appeared on his Facebook page.
“Trump did the right thing” by firing Nunberg, Sharpton told the New York Times’ Maggie Haberman, “and the guy did the right thing to admit he was wrong and apologize.”
“Unlike others who have had accusations, he at least did not deny the gravity of what he did,” Sharpton said of Nunberg in an interview with the Times. Sharpton added that he also “forgave a guy who stabbed me once in Bensonhurst.”
Nunberg, when reached by phone on Monday afternoon, told Breitbart News he thanks Sharpton for accepting his apology.
“I reiterate that I have no memory of posting this offensive message,” Nunberg told Breitbart News. “Nonetheless, I assume responsibility because it appeared on my Facebook feed. I am grateful to Rev. Al Sharpton for his Judeo-Christian spirit of forgiveness.”
After Business Insider’s Hunter Walker uncovered the nearly-decade-old Facebook posts—which appeared on Nunberg’s Facebook account in 2007, before he worked for Trump—Trump’s campaign fired Nunberg over the weekend.
“Meeting Rev. Sharpton today, no joke – he will tell him that his daughter is N——!” Nunberg wrote in the Aug. 25, 2007, Facebook posting.
After Nunberg was fired for the post, he wrote a lengthy letter to Sharpton asking for his forgiveness, a letter since obtained by Breitbart News.
“I am writing regarding a Facebook post that was reportedly posted to my account in 2007, more than eight years ago. I have no memory of writing it,” Nunberg wrote to Sharpton.
The post however allegedly said a disgusting, inexcusable reference to your daughter. I offer an apology and ask for your forgiveness. This post was disgusting, inappropriate and unacceptable. This does not reflect the way I was brought up or the values instilled in me by my parents. My father Noah Nunberg clerked for Constance Baker Motley, the first female African-American federal judge appointed by President Johnson after she worked with Thurgood Marshal at the NAACP on civil rights and segregation cases. The Judge attended my Bris. I started my political career as intern for Jerry Nadler who remains a mentor and a friend.
Nunberg added more about his personal story and understanding of “values of equality.”
“I went to a yeshiva which instilled in me values of equality,” Nunberg said.
I understand the effects of the cancer of racism. My grandparents survived the Holocaust. My parents are both attorneys and taught me to treat all people with respect and dignity. This post does not reflect how I was raised. Reverend Sharpton, this post is not what is in my heart. Reverend Sharpton, I am by no means a man without sin. I am by no means a man who has not made mistakes in my life. I am by no means a man who has not had to seek spiritual guidance. I have given up the demon rum. I pray every day for God’s help. Reverend Sharpton, it is one day at a time.
Nunberg wrapped his letter by asking Sharpton for forgiveness, which Sharpton has since given him.
“Reverend Sharpton, you are a man of God who practices forgiveness and redemption. I humbly ask for your forgiveness. I extend this heartfelt apology to your family and your community,” Nunberg wrote. “Reverend Sharpton, I thank you for your consideration.”
It remains to be seen what’s in store for Nunberg in the future, but he was fired from Trump’s operation at least once before and then re-hired.
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