PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — During a Multnomah County Commission board meeting Thursday morning, a heated exchange occurred between Chair Deborah Kafoury and Commissioner Loretta Smith, which ended in Kafoury apparently calling Smith a bitch — according to Smith’s statement.

“Well I’m still shocked and stunned by being called the b word in council meeting just because I disagreed on policy,” Smith said, “and it’s really disappointing to be called the b word by the chair.”

In the beginning of the meeting, Kafoury brought up the topic of who should replace her in the event she is no longer able to do her job. She chose the current COO of Multnomah County, Marissa Madrigal.

However, Smith expressed her concerns about Madrigal’s ability to be impartial in the position.

The two argued over the choice of Madrigal before taking public comments from the audience. After one man was done speaking, Smith tried to ask him a question when Kafoury can be heard cutting her off saying “All those in favor, vote aye.”

Kafoury’s expletive toward Smith reportedly happened after the cameras stopped filming.

Smith shed light on the incident afterwards when she released the following statement:

Today in Council I experienced something I never thought I would have to face from another elected official. During a board discussion I raised legitimate concerns, as is my right. I sought an opinion from the County Attorney, as is my right. Instead of allowing my concerns to be heard and my questions answered the Chair interrupted and spoke over me several times. After she gavelled out, over my objections, she took this overtly hostile behavior to another level. Calling me a “bitch” in the public sphere is unbecoming of the office she holds. This term is offensive not only because it was uttered in Council Chamber, but also because it is racially charged. This is not how we should be conducting business at Multnomah County.”

Smith held a brief press conference Thursday afternoon. KOIN 6 News reached out to Kafoury for comment, but she declined to speak on camera.

However, she did release a statement that said,

Today, Commissioner Loretta Smith attacked the ethics and integrity of the COO of Multnomah County, who was also the former Chair of this Board. I have watched Commissioner Smith attack staff across Multnomah County, and today, I was deeply offended by her egregious accusations which led to a regrettable comment. For that, I sincerely apologize. It was unprofessional and unbecoming for me to express my feelings in the way and manner I did. At that moment, faced with her behavior, I felt the responsibility to defend the County’s staff.”

KOIN 6 News will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.