Sen. Bernie Sanders announced he's heading to Puerto Rico instead of the Women's Convention next week after Twitter erupted with criticism over a man being chosen as a key speaker for the event.

The Vermont independent and former presidential candidate in a statement apologized to the organizers and wished them a successful conference. It will be held Oct. 27-29 in Detroit.

"Given the emergency situation in Puerto Rico, I will be traveling there to visit with San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz and other officials to determine the best way forward to deal with the devastation the island is experiencing," he stated. "The U.S. Congress cannot turn its back on the millions of people in Puerto Rico who, four weeks after the hurricane, are still without electricity, food and running water."

Among those last week who decried Sanders' planned appearance was Stephanie Schriock, president of pro-choice PAC EMILY's List, who said the decision sent "the wrong message to women everywhere."

"Women are already leading in the United States Senate, and this is a moment where we have the opportunity to lift them up," she said.

On Tuesday, the Women's Convention issued a statement to correct the record, saying that Sanders would not be opening or headlining the convention, but speaking in a panel discussion. They announced Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., would open the first night.

"We know that it has been a painful week for women across the nation," the statement reads. "We realize that we added to that pain when we announced Senator Sanders as a speaker at the Women's Convention, and that our announcement gave the impression that he is occupying a central role at the convention."

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