Detroit City Council President Charles Pugh is defending his online actions after being accused of bullying on Twitter.
"I am many things, but bully I am not," says Pugh. "I'm the nicest guy I know and I'm sticking to that."
On Saturday, a Detroit News columnist shared her thoughts on how Pugh recently dropped 60 pounds and released a series of YouTube videos on how he did it. Readers were quick to comment, including Josh Sidorowicz, who tweeted: "Wow, love this little piece. Too bad @Charles_Pugh has been such a disappointment to the city of Detroit so far."
Pugh noticed the tweet and did not skip a beat. He replied to Sidorowicz by saying, "yes, a huge disappointment. Just a downright loser. LOL."
The barbs went back and forth between Pugh and Sidorowicz, who interns at Automotive News. At one point, Pugh tweeted the auto journal asking officials to have a word with Sidorowicz. (See the entire exchange in the gallery below)
"If I have interns in my office who are on Twitter or Facebook attacking people, I'd want to know," said Pugh. "He's saying that I got a personal agenda and that I'm a disappointment. What does that mean? Just simply give some clarity to that. That's the whole reason I kept back and forth with him. I have a right to defend the hard work that I'm very proud of."
FOX 2 reached out to Sidorowicz for comment, but he declined to go on camera.
"I'm going to continue responding to people the way I see fit," says Pugh. "I'm am so not a bully, but when people says things that I think are offensive, you know, you respond."
Officials at Automotive News would not comment on this story either. They do, however, tell FOX 2 that Josh is great intern and still works for the company.
Friday, May 24 2013 7:19 AM EDT2013-05-24 11:19:36 GMT
Michigan's public schools would get about 3 percent more and it's community colleges and universities about 2 percent more in overall funding next fiscal year under measures approved by Republican-led budget panels.
Michigan's public schools would get about 3 percent more and it's community colleges and universities about 2 percent more in overall funding next fiscal year under measures approved by Republican-led budget panels.
Friday, May 24 2013 7:06 AM EDT2013-05-24 11:06:50 GMT
Officials say the Detroit Institute of Arts' collection could be sold to help satisfy creditors if the financially troubled city of Detroit seeks bankruptcy protection.
Officials say the Detroit Institute of Arts' collection could be sold to help satisfy creditors if the financially troubled city of Detroit seeks bankruptcy protection.
Friday, May 24 2013 6:47 AM EDT2013-05-24 10:47:05 GMT
Jimmy Howard stopped 25 shots as the Red Wings beat the Chicago Blackhawks 2-0 on Thursday night in Game 4 of the second round series to put the NHL's best team during the regular season on the brink of elimination.
Jimmy Howard stopped 25 shots as the Red Wings beat the Chicago Blackhawks 2-0 on Thursday night in Game 4 of the second round series to put the NHL's best team during the regular season on the brink of elimination.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:21 PM EDT2013-05-24 01:21:55 GMT
The mountains of petroleum coke along Detroit's riverfront continue to grow. Now lawmakers are saying the stuff has to go as the story gets national attention.
The mountains of petroleum coke along Detroit's riverfront continue to grow. Now lawmakers are saying the stuff has to go as the story gets national attention.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:53 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:53:47 GMT
Anna Bailey was walking back from the gas station Thursday morning when she found 16-year-old Emonte Davis lying in the middle of the sidewalk on Sharon Street. He had been shot in the chest, and she tried to help.
Anna Bailey was walking back from the gas station Thursday morning when she found 16-year-old Emonte Davis lying in the middle of the sidewalk on Sharon Street. He had been shot in the chest, and she tried to help.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:39 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:39:46 GMT
Army Specialist Jenna Beno bravely fought for our country. Sadly, she died after an attack in Iraq. Thursday, the young soldier was honored during an emotional ceremony in Clarkston.
Army Specialist Jenna Beno bravely fought for our country. Sadly, she died after an attack in Iraq. Thursday, the young soldier was honored during an emotional ceremony in Clarkston.
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Detroit City Council President Charles Pugh
