Democratic San Diego Mayor Bob Filner said Thursday that yes, he’s harassed and “intimidated” a number of women, but that he needs help.
“I am … humbled to admit that I need help,” he said, in a statement to the San Diego Union Tribune. “I have begun to work with professionals to make changes in my behavior and approach. In addition, my staff and I will participate in sexual harassment training provided by the city. Please know that I fully understand that only I am the one that can make these changes.”
Prior to that mea culpa, he said he’s “embarrassed to admit that I have failed to fully respect the women who work for me and with me, and that at times I have intimidated them.”
His statement came on the heels of accusations from several women – furthered by angry statements from his own political friends – that he was a sexual harasser. A city councilwoman held a press conference Thursday with two attorneys to explain that several women had come forth with the claims, but she did not go into details about the harassment.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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