The Internet Association is distancing itself from Fight for the Future—an ally in the net neutrality battle—after the latter group allegedly accused mass shooting victim and House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) of "betraying" voters. However, Fight for the Future contends the incident was a misunderstanding.

Fight for the Future is an advocacy group opposing a proposed Trump administration plan to roll back net neutrality rules. Both the group and IA are on the same side of the policy fight, but IA CEO Michael Beckerman issued a statement Tuesday condemning Fight to the Future for allegedly running billboards accusing Scalise of "betrayal" for supporting the rollback.

Scalise is in a hospital recovering from injuries suffered during a June 14 mass shooting in Alexandria, Va.

"Accusing a member of Congress of ‘betrayal' while he's recovering in the hospital is despicable," Beckerman said. "This type of advocacy is not what Internet Association and our member companies stand for." http://bit.ly/2tGC33N

In its own statement, Fight for the Future said it never intended to target Scalise. The lawmaker's name was incorrectly included in private emails to reporters inquiring about the billboard campaign. No billboards mentioned Scalise.

"This error was immediately corrected once brought to our attention, and we regret the confusion it caused," the group said. "We would obviously not run billboards against someone who is in the hospital, and wish Rep. Scalise a speedy recovery." http://bit.ly/2vClrez

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