In a private discussion in a private meeting House Speaker Mike Johnson last week, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene was accused by her fellow Georgia Republican Rep. Richard McCormick of becoming physically abusive against her, according to several sources who are familiar with the issue – a claim which McCormick denies, claiming it was an “friendly gesture.”

Greene stated before Johnson that McCormick held her shoulders and shaken her after an argument that they had over opposing resolutions to defame Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib from Michigan according to sources they said. The speaker was then asked to take the matter up. McCormick was adamantly opposed to Greene’s resolution, then drafted his own, more narrow version. This caused Greene to tell reporters that McCormick was “ego bruised.” She has also publicly criticized the other Republicans who supported her resolution.

In a statement in a statement to CNN, McCormick said the exchange was meant to be friendly, however McCormick apologized to Congresswoman at the moment, after realizing that she was not able to take it in that manner.

“I know why there will be many emotional reactions following the vote on censure because her censure was rescinded, but mine was approved. I wanted to help Rep. Greene by offering an encouraging gesture” his statement reads. an announcement. “I told her “at least we can engage in a honest debate in which she stated that she did not think that was a good idea. In response, I apologized immediately and haven’t spoken to her since.”

Greene on Tuesday denied her assertion to CNN that’s how the incident occurred. In the last week, she informed CNN she was involved in an “serious” situation with an male colleague who was not named but she did not go into the specifics.

CNN has been in contact with the Speaker’s office to inquire about their comments.

Johnson has been working to resolve the issue, and has reached for McCormick to discuss his side about the situation, sources told as a further example of the way in which McCormick is trying to deal with the growing tensions in his conference.