CNN has filed a lawsuit against Donald Trump over his administration's treatment of its Chief White House Correspondent Jim Acosta, who had his press credentials suspended indefinitely.
The American cable network is seeking an immediate restoration of Mr Acosta's press credentials.
- Watch: The moment that got Jim Acosta barred from the White House
- CNN slams White House over Acosta exchange
Mr Acosta's credentials were revoked after an explosive press conference, where a White House intern tried to physically wrestle the microphone out of his hands.
At the time the White House had claimed Mr Acosta had inappropriately touched the intern when he tried to move her hands out of the way.
White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said on Twitter Mr Acosta's actions were inappropriate.
- Trump unleashes on reporters in post-midterms press conference
- US Attorney-General Sessions resigns after being asked by Trump
- Trump hails 'tremendous success' despite losing House
"We will, however, never tolerate a reporter placing his hands on a young woman just trying to do her job as a White House intern," she wrote.
"This conduct is absolutely unacceptable. It is also completely disrespectful to the reporter's colleagues not to allow them an opportunity to ask a question.
"President Trump has given the press more access than any President in history."
CNN has rejected Ms Sanders' claims that Mr Acosta behaved inappropriately.
Both CNN and Mr Acosta are identified as plaintiffs in the lawsuit, with Mr Trump and Ms Sanders among the six defendants.
Ms Sanders responded to the suit with a statement, calling it "just more grandstanding from CNN".
"After Mr Acosta asked the President two questions - each of which the President answered - he physically refused to surrender a White House microphone to an intern so that other reporters might ask their questions," she said.
"This was not the first time this reporter has inappropriately refused to yield to other reporters."
CNN said in a press statement of its own that the revocation of press credentials set a very dangerous precedent.
"While the suit is specific to CNN and Acosta, this could have happened to anyone. If left unchallenged the actions of the White House would create a dangerous chilling effect for any journalist who covers our elected officials."
Newshub.
