Woman who punched pro-life activist during street interview claims she was antagonized

A woman who punched a pro-life activist claims she was antagonized and tried to justify her actions in an interview Saturday.

The attack was captured on video as reporter Savannah Craven Antao was recording on Thursday for the Live Action advocacy group. Brianna Rivers of the Bronx apologized to Antao but also accused her of being a "professional antagonist."

'She railroaded me into all of this. She needs to release the unedited footage with her relentless antagonization on a subject that is very touchy.'

Antao published video of the altercation that showed herself and Rivers debating the issue of abortion before Rivers punches her in the face and walks away. Antao was left bloodied from a laceration in her eyebrow and sought medical care at a hospital.

"I need a platform to share my side of events. She has 7 million views making me out to be a 'child killing' monster when she knows the truth. She railroaded me into all of this," wrote Rivers.

"She needs to release the unedited footage with her relentless antagonization on a subject that is very touchy," she added. "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."

She went on to call Antao a "professional antagonist" and not a reporter.

"I sincerely apologize but cannot sit around and allow you to continue pushing this on-sided narrative. I understand hands being put on someone is never the answer, but throwing rocks and hiding hands is worse,” Rivers added.

Antao's husband was recording the video and gave chase when Rivers ran off from the scene. At one point the video shows Rivers laughing and dancing to mock him.

Live Action president and founder Lila Rose said in a statement that her organization would not be intimidated by the incident and would continue in its mission to shut down federal funding for Planned Parenthood.

Here's the video from Live Action:

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