Former FBI Second-In-Command says he was 'Deep Throat'

May 31, 2005

In an interview by John D. O'Connor for the American magazine , it was revealed that, a former associate director of the during the , was the anonymous informer called. "Deep Throat" helped journalists and  bring down then-president  through the exposure of the.

Previously bound by a pledge not to reveal "Deep Throat's" identity until after his death, Woodward and Bernstein at first refused to confirm the Vanity Fair report. However, in a story posted late today on the  website, they verified that Felt was "Deep Throat."

However, one of Richard Nixon's biographers,, believes that at least one of "Deep Throat's" tips could not have been known by Felt. The Post first reported on the famous 18 1/2 minute gap in a crucial tape at a time when only six people were aware of its existence -- none of them Felt. This raises the possibility that "Deep Throat," though mainly based on Felt, may be a composite character.

Felt has been mentioned as a leading candidate for "Deep Throat" by many that have tried to solve the mystery. An article published in the  last fall claimed Carl Bernstein's son once exposed Felt as the mysterious informer. But until now, Felt, Woodward, Bernstein and the Post's former editor have all denied it.

Felt, 91, has reportedly been in poor health in recent years. His family says Felt admits to being the source and described him as feeling proud of his role in history and having "a big grin" when told of the Vanity Fair article.