DNC Apologizes to Bernie Sanders and Supporters

July 25, 2016 5:07 PM EDT

The Democratic National Committee apologized to Bernie Sanders after leaked emails showed former Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz and top DNC officials criticizing the Vermont Senator’s campaign during the primary.

The emails, released by WikiLeaks, came shortly before the Democratic National Convention, which kicked off Monday in Philadelphia. On Sunday, Schultz said she would resign after the convention, where she will not speak.

“On behalf of everyone at the DNC, we want to offer a deep and sincere apology to Senator Sanders, his supporters, and the entire Democratic party for inexcusable remarks made over email,” the statement reads. “The DNC does not — and will not — tolerate disrespectful language exhibited toward our candidates.”

The apology comes as Sanders delegates booed the Vermont senator when he spoke about party unity earlier on Monday and later booed references to Clinton as the convention formally began. Delegates also shouted Sanders’ name during the convention’s opening prayer and repeatedly interrupted the convention’s opening proceedings. On Sunday, Sanders called for Schultz’s resignation over the emails.

Bernie-Bernie-Bernie chant breaks out during the PRAYER!
— Zeke Miller (@ZekeJMiller) July 25, 2016

“I am going to be respectful of you,” said Ohio Rep. Marcia Fudge, permanent chair of the Democratic convention, around 4:45 p.m. in Philadelphia as the crowd jeered and cheered. “And I want you to be respectful of me. We are all Democrats, and we need to act like it. Let’s do it!”

Read the DNC apology to Sanders in full below:

“On behalf of everyone at the DNC, we want to offer a deep and sincere apology to Senator Sanders, his supporters, and the entire Democratic party for inexcusable remarks made over email. These comments do not reflect the values of the DNC or our steadfast commitment to neutrality during the nominating process. The DNC does not — and will not — tolerate disrespectful language exhibited toward our candidates. Individual staffers have also rightfully apologized for their comments, and the DNC is taking appropriate action to ensure it never happens again.

We are embarking on a convention today that — thanks to the great efforts of Secretary Clinton, her team, Senator Sanders, his team, and the entire Democratic Party — will show a forward-thinking and optimistic vision for America, as compared to the dark and pessimistic vision that the GOP presented last week in Cleveland. Our focus is on electing Hillary Clinton, Tim Kaine and Democrats across the country, thanks to Democratic Party that is strong, unified, and poised for victory in November.”

DNC Apologizes to Bernie Sanders and Supporters Over Leaked Emails

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