Clarence Thomas defends himself after undisclosed gifts revelation

The statement did little to dampen controversy surrounding the 74-year-old conservative or lessen fire from the political left.

Thomas is the longest-serving current justice, nominated by George HW Bush in 1991. On Thursday, ProPublica reported that he has long accepted trips from Crow including travel on private jets and yachts and stays at exclusive resorts.

Supreme court justices, however, largely sit above federal ethics regulations, essentially governing themselves.

Accountable.US, an advocacy group, contended Thomas was wrong to say Crow did not have business before the court.

Crow joined the AEI in 1996, the same year he said he became friends with Thomas.