Actor Tim Matheson Files Police Report After Receiving Death Threats Following His 'Ignorant' Tweet About Melania Trump, Reveals Law Enforcement Source
Some tweets have serious consequences.
Law enforcement sources say actor Tim Matheson has filed an official complaint with the police after receiving death threats following a disparaging tweet he made against former first lady Melania Trump.
After President Joe Biden was inaugurated on January 20, the West Wing star took to social media to comment on Dr. Jill Biden moving into the White House, while taking a shady shot at former president Donald Trump’s Slovenian-born wife.
"So wonderful to have a First Lady with class and heart. And, can speak English!" he wrote in a now-deleted tweet.
The offensive tweet was met with immediate backlash from both sides of the aisle. Following the intense backlash the 70-year-old attempted to smooth things over by publicly apologizing.
“This morning I made a hasty and stupid joke about the former First Lady," he tweeted. "It wasn't funny, and it was in poor taste. It was regretful and humorless and I apologize."
He also directly reached out to the 50-year-old ex FLOTUS, who speaks with an accent, by replying to her final tweet as the first lady.
"Thank you for your work as the First Lady. I apologize to you for a stupid, ignorant,& foul remark that I made last week on Twitter in reference to you” he wrote. “It was wrong, cruel and intolerant of me.I have learned a big lesson from this experience. So sorry."
- 'Thanks For Nothing': Jim Carrey Slams Melania Trump As 'Worst First Lady' In Brutal Political Cartoon — See Photo
- John Schneider Investigated by Secret Service for Demanding 'Public Hanging' of President Joe Biden: Report
- Bette Midler Deletes Her X Account After Joking About Drinking Drano If Donald Trump Wins 2024 Election
Want OK! each day? Sign up here!
But the damage was already done, and the threats continued to escalate. One reportedly said he would kick Matheson's ass and said "pay me big bucks or I will kill you." The actor also filed an extortion report due to the money demands.
The police are reportedly investigating the matter.
Matheson is perhaps best known for his portrayals of the smooth-talking Eric "Otter" Stratton in the comedy film National Lampoon's Animal House and of Vice President John Hoynes in the NBC drama The West Wing, which earned him two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series.
He also portrayed President Ronald Reagan in the 2016 TV movie Killing Reagan on the National Geographic Channel.
TMZ was first to report on Matheson's police report.