WASHINGTON — White House deputy press secretary T.J. Ducklo has been suspended for a week without pay after he reportedly issued a sexist and profane threat to a journalist seeking to cover his relationship with another reporter.

"This in our view was an important step to send the message that we don't find this acceptable," White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters Friday.

His personal life came under scrutiny earlier this week when Politico reported on his relationship with a reporter.

On Friday, Vanity Fair published a report citing two unnamed sources that Ducklo threatened the Politico reporter to try to suppress the story, telling her “I will destroy you.”

Psaki said Ducklo has sent the reporter “a personal note professing his profound regret.” She also said when Ducklo returns, he will no longer work with any reporters from Politico.