Exclusive | Bronx woman who decked pro-life activist claims she was provoked into violence relentless antagonization
The woman who socked a pro-life reporter in the face during a filmed interview offered an apology Saturday — but claimed her “antagonistic” victim goaded her into violence.Brianna Rivers, of the Bronx, admitted she was wrong for slugging Savannah Craven Antao, a reporter for pro-life advocacy group Live Action.“To Savannah, I sincerely apologize but cannot sit around and allow you to continue pushing this one sided narrative.I understand hands being put on someone is never the answer, but throwing rocks and hiding hands is worse,” Rivers wrote in a Facebook post.“She knows the truth and she needs to release the footage in its entirety.
Savannah is a professional antagonist not a ‘reporter’ and the truth will be told.”Rivers shared a note accusing Craven Antao of intentionally antagonizing her during their man-on-the-street interview in Harlem, in which Craven Antao repeatedly cut the pro-choice Rivers off while she spoke.Rivers also accused Craven Antao of editing the footage to remove what she called “relentless antagonization” and the moments leading up to the sucker punch.“I will not allow my image to be defamed by this woman’s actions.Anyone who knows me knows how respectful I am, I don’t even litter, there’s no way you believe I’m punching people for disagreeing with my POV,” wrote Rivers, who could not immediately be reached for comment.Craven Antao reported the incident to police and admitted to “provoking” Rivers, authorities said.
Rivers had not been arrested as of Saturday afternoon.The two butted heads during a conversation on the street Thursday about Planned Parenthood and abortion that Craven Antao, 23, was conducting as part of her work for Live Action.The interview gradually grew sour as Craven Antao routinely interrupted Rivers, claimed women who have undergone abortions were “killing babies” and even laughed at her interview subject, the video showed.Things took a turn when Craven Antao asked whether fost...