WikiLeaks: CNN extorted apology from creator of Trump wrestling gif

A bold claim of blackmail and extortion by CNN lit up social media Wednesday.

The Reddit user, “HanA**holeSolo,” who created the image of President Donald Trump wrestling “CNN” has apologized for his actions, but a handful of conservative media outlets are accusing the network of blackmailing the user.

A web article, posted on CNN's website, details the efforts used to track down the Reddit user and dig into his posting history. In a thorough Reddit post, the user apologized for creating the image and for previously posting "racist, bigoted, and anti-semitic" content. The article explains the contents of his apology.

“CNN is not publishing "HanA**holeSolo's" name because he is a private citizen who has issued an extensive statement of apology, showed his remorse by saying he has taken down all his offending posts, and because he said he is not going to repeat this ugly behavior on social media again.” The article reads, “In addition, he said his statement could serve as an example to others not to do the same.”

WikiLeaks, Eric Trump, conservative outlets and other Twitter users are taking issue with the next line in the article that reads “CNN reserves the right to publish his identity should any of that change.”

Some called it extortion, unethical and possibly illegal.

As of the time this article was posted, CNN has not identified the Reddit user in question.