US lawmaker apologises for sexually explicit photo
Congressman Joe Barton speaks during a news conference about the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme at the U.S. Capitol on November 9, 2017 in Washington, DC. The lawmaker from Texas apologised on November 22, 2017 for his nude photo released on the internet. CHIP SOMODEVILLA | GETTY IMAGES | AFP
What you need to know:
- Congressman Joe Barton nude apologised to his constituents about the photo.
- He says he had consensual sexual relationships with adults, and distanced himself from the recent revelations of sexual harassment and assault that have plagued powerful and high-profile men in the US.
CHICAGO
A US lawmaker from Texas apologised on Wednesday for an explicit photo released on the internet, saying he had erred in judgement when pursuing consensual sexual relationships with women.
The photo shows Congressman Joe Barton nude, with his genitals obstructed from view, in a sexually suggestive pose. It appeared on Twitter earlier this week and has since circulated on social media.
RELATIONSHIPS
The Republican lawmaker set his behaviour apart from the recent revelations of sexual harassment and assault that have plagued powerful and high-profile men.
"While separated from my second wife, prior to the divorce, I had sexual relationships with other mature adult women," the twice-divorced 68-year-old said.
"Each was consensual. Those relationships have ended. I am sorry I did not use better judgement during those days. I am sorry that I let my constituents down."
POLITICAL FUTURE
Barton sent mixed messages about his political future.
In an interview with The Texas Tribune, he said he was still deliberating how to respond, but a spokeswoman told The Dallas Morning News that Barton had no plans to resign.
A similarly suggestive photo of former congressman Anthony Weiner that appeared on his Twitter account in 2011 was the beginning of his downfall.
Weiner was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison in September for sexting with a minor.
