Top aides to presidential candidate Joe Biden have apologised to Arab and Muslim Democrats over an attack on Palestinian-American activist Linda Sarsour by the campaign, in an effort to quell anger over the controversy.

In a private call with dozens of prominent activists on Sunday, Ashley Allison, national coalitions director for the Biden campaign, said she was “sorry” for the comments that a campaign spokesman made against Sarsour.

‘I am sorry that that happened. And I hope that whatever trust was broken, that this conversation is one small step to help build back the trust’
– Ashley Allison, Biden campaign

Top foreign policy adviser Tony Blinken also expressed “regret” over the incident during the virtual meeting.