BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- Binghamton Mayor Matt Ryan is addressing an article posted online earlier this week that accused of him crashing a New York State Petroleum Council event. Ryan says he was invited to the event on Monday that aimed to inform local leaders about the benefits of hydrofracking in the Southern Tier. He even has the invitation to prove it.

The real controversy was over the guest who he brought, well-known drilling opponent Walter Hang.

"It was pretty humorous because they had already given him a pass. He came in, I said he’s my guest, but then they must of realized who he was and wanted him to leave. He still has the pass," said Mayor Ryan.

The article that Ryan took issue with was posted by the group Energy In Depth. Ryan also questioned the ethics of the event, saying leaders acted irresponsibly by attending a dinner paid for by the industry.