Republican Montana Congressman-elect Greg Gianforte on Wednesday apologized to the Reporter that he body slammed on the eve of last month’s special election, admitting his conduct was "unprofessional, unacceptable and unlawful."

"Notwithstanding anyone's statement to the contrary, you did not initiate any physical contact with me, and I had no right to assault you," Gianforte said in a letter to reporter Ben Jacobs. "I am sorry for what I did and the unwanted notoriety this has created for you. I take full responsibility."

Jacobs, a reporter for The Guardian newspaper accepted the apology. Gianforte also said in the letter dated Wednesday that he will make a $50,000 donation to the Committee to Protect Journalists.

Jacobs said in a statement that "I have accepted Mr. Gianforte's apology and his willingness to take responsibility for his actions and statements."

Gianforte won the May 25 special election to take Montana’s single U.S. House of Representatives seat, which was vacated by Ryan Zinke, who was nominated and confirmed as Interior Secretary.

H/T NBC News