The woman who wrote Melania Trump's controversial US Republican National Convention speech says the plagiarism was a "mistake".
The speech, which Ms Trump gave at the event where her husband Donald was nominated for President, has come under fire for borrowing heavily from a speech Michelle Obama gave in 2008.
Meredith McIver on Thursday released a statement saying Ms Trump "always liked" Ms Obama.
"Over the phone, she read me some passages from Mrs Obama's speech as examples," Ms McIver said.
"I wrote them down and later included some of the phrasing in the draft that ultimately became the final speech. I did not check Mrs Obama's speeches. This was my mistake, and I feel terrible for the chaos I have caused Melania and the Trumps, as well as to Mrs Obama. No harm was meant."
Ms McIver says she offered the Trump campaign her resignation, but that was rejected.
"Mr Trump told me that people make innocent mistakes and that we learn and grow from these experiences."
Ms McIver says it was her idea to go public because she "did not like the way this was distracting from Mr Trump's historic campaign for President and Melania's beautiful message and presentation".
"I apologise for the confusion and hysteria my mistake has caused. Today, more than ever, I am honoured to work for such a great family."
Mr Trump's rocky campaign has survived a string of controversies. He goes up against presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in November.
Newshub.
