Media group apologizes to conservative commentator Shapiro over presence at trade show

A media trade association has apologized to conservative commentator Ben Shapiro in connection with his attendance at at a recent trade show. 

The association, Podcast Movement, apologized Thursday, according to the Daily Wire, which Shapiro founded and continues to be an editor. 

The group reportedly said Shapiro's presence at its annual trade show and conference caused "harm" and resulted in media giant Cumulus vowing to end its support for Podcast Movement. 

Shapiro is also a popular podcaster, and Cumulus syndicates his show through its Westwood One subsidiary.

"We’re continuing to evaluate our policies guiding social media & events with inclusivity, diversity & respect for all,"  Podcast Movement said in a statement. "We have to start by sincerely apologizing to Mr. Shapiro for our reaction when he visited a booth that we sold his company. That wasn’t right."

The Daily Wire says it had paid to sponsor a booth at the trade show, and Shapiro accompanied several company employees to it. 

But one person in attendance was allegedly upset by Shapiro’s presence and complained on Twitter to Podcast Movement, the Daily Wire also reports.

The complaint was allegedly followed by the group posting a series of tweets that portrayed Shapiro in a negative light.