Politics & Government
Filner on Sexual Harassment Claims: 'I Need Help'
Filner said he has "diminished the office" he was elected to less than a year ago. Many have called for him to resign.
San Diego Mayor Bob Filner issued a video apology Thursday amid multiple sexual harassment allegations that have prompted his supporters—including former Councilwoman Donna Frye—to call for his resignation:
The text of his statement, as released by the mayor's office:
"I begin today by apologizing to you. I have diminished the office to which you elected me.
The charges made at today’s news conference are serious. When a friend like Donna Frye is compelled to call for my resignation, I’m clearly doing something wrong. I have reached into my heart and soul and realized I must and will change my behavior.
As someone who has spent a lifetime fighting for equality for all people, I am 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.
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It’s a good thing that behavior that would have been tolerated in the past is being called out in this generation for what it is: inappropriate and wrong.
I am also humbled to admit that I need help. 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.
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If my behavior doesn’t change, I cannot succeed in leading our city.
In the next few days, I will be reaching out to those who now work in the Mayor’s Office or have previously worked for me–both men and women–to personally apologize for my behavior.
I will also be announcing fundamental changes within the Mayor’s Office designed to promote a new spirit of cooperation, respect and effectiveness.
You have every right to be disappointed in me. I only ask that you give me an opportunity to prove I am capable of change, so that the vision I have for our city’s future can be realized.
Thank you."
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