New York Times accuses woman of pretending to be reporter

The Gray Lady is seeing red over a colorful Manhattan woman who’s masquerading as a New York Times reporter, saying she is sullying its reputation as the newspaper of record.

Contessa Bourbon’s been keeping up the charade for four years, according to the Times’ new lawsuit against her.

She first introduced herself as a Times reporter at a Brookings Institute event in 2013. She also claimed to work for the paper in an interview with the Turkish ambassador, and then again at a speech in March by Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.

“Ms. Bourbon is not, and has never been, employed by The Times, as a reporter for The New York Times, or in any other position or capacity,” the Manhattan Supreme Court suit says.

She has ignored two cease-and-desist letters, it says.

Her scheme “is likely to cause confusion or injury to the business reputation of The Times, or dilution of the distinctive quality of The Times” trademarks, the Times’ lawyers claim in the just-filed suit.

The newspaper is suing to force her to give up the guise.

​Her Twitter bio also claims she is a reporter for the Wall Street Journal, the Times of London, the Guardian and the Washington Post.

She did not immediately return messages seeking comment.