LANSING, Mich. (AP) — An investigation is planned following a newspaper’s report that state Rep. Todd Courser orchestrated the distribution of a fictional email alleging he had sex with a male prostitute in a bid to conceal an extramarital relationship with a fellow Michigan lawmaker.

House Speaker Kevin Cotter said in a statement Friday that after seeing The Detroit News’ report he’s asking the nonpartisan House Business Office to determine “whether there was a violation of House rules or any evidence of illegal behavior.”

In audio recordings obtained by the newspaper, Courser says the email was designed to create “a complete smear campaign” about him and fellow Republican Rep. Cindy Gamrat so a revelation about their relationship would seem “mild by comparison.”

The Associated Press sent messages seeking comment from Courser and Gamrat.