Newt Gingrich denounced an ABC News story during a debate Thursday, calling it "trash" and earning applause from the audience at a South Carolina Republican debate, reports the Los Angeles Times.

The "Nightline" story included an allegation by his second wife that he wanted an "open marriage" while he had an affair with the woman who is now his third wife, the story says.

CNN moderator John King asked Gingrich during the debate whether he wanted to respond to the allegation.

"’No,’ Gingrich responded, staring stone-faced at King as the audience applauded loudly. ‘But I will,’" he said, according to the story.

Said Gingrich: "Every person in here has had someone close to them go through personal things. To take an ex-wife and make it, two days before a primary, a significant question in a presidential campaign is as close to despicable as anything I can imagine," according to the piece.