The Hill News

Controversial RNC Chairman Michael Steele backed out of an appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists convention on Friday, citing food poisoning.

Later than evening, the RNC alerted donors via email that an August fundraiser featuring Steele alongside conservative media personality Andrew Breitbart would be postponed.

The event, entitled "RNC Election Countdown," was to take place in Los Angeles between August 12th and 14th.

In response to Steele's absence at the NABJ convention, the RNC released a statement.

"He is disappointed to miss the opportunity to take part in this valuable dialogue and looks forward to engaging with NABJ in the very near future," it read.

Observers question whether Steele's schedule modifications indicate a desire to avoid the criticism recently leveled at Breitbart, who came under fire for publishing a misleading video clip of former USDA official Shirley Sherrod that led to her firing.

Sherrod announced her intention to sue Breitbart in remarks to the NABJ convention on Thursday.