I'm Deeply Sorry for Those Things I Got Caught Doing

Earlier this week, more than 25,000 texts from a group chat in which I participated were leaked. Some of those texts contained slurs and derogatory statements about specific groups of people.

To those I’ve offended, I am very sorry. My inflammatory language has no place in the public discourse, which is why I’m even more surprised to see it there than you are.

While the crudest statements have dominated the headlines, what hasn’t garnered as much attention is the fact that those remarks constitute only 41% of the texts. The media has conveniently chosen not to cover the 59%—that’s well over half—that did not contain hate speech.

I should note that some participants in the chat have raised the possibility that our texts may have been doctored, or even entirely fabricated, by those that seek to do us harm. It is my sincere hope that this sounds plausible, especially to my mother.

However, for argument’s sake, I take complete responsibility for my words. Again, though, I do support questioning their authenticity, if that might gain any traction.

Moving on, with regard to the recent public confrontation that multiple witnesses posted to social media, I understand that my actions were wrong. I have let down my family and my supporters, and I regret that immensely.

That said, the recordings clearly show the protestors outside my office initiating the conflict by verbally assaulting me about the aforementioned texts. Since they were directly quoting things I’d said, their language was abusive and hurtful, and I felt unsafe.

Nevertheless, I shouldn’t have reacted in such a reckless manner, and with such vulgar rhetoric. Nor should I have punched that retired middle school teacher in the jaw. In all the confusion, I mistook her cane for an assault rifle. I’ve spoken to her family and have gladly agreed to pay for her medical expenses.

This incident has actually been a blessing in disguise, as it has forced me to face the anger issues that have plagued me throughout my life. Though this by no means diminishes the severity of my actions, my father was physically abusive to me as a child. I’m told this is a relatable, sympathetic backstory, which I hope you’ll appreciate.

As such, I’ve decided to seek counseling to face these demons, now that they’ve caused serious consequences. With God’s help, I look forward to starting the journey to becoming a better man.

Please know, however, that despite the impression you may have gotten from videos of the incident, the thousands of leaked text messages, and any number of statements I’ve made over the course of my 23 years in the public eye, I truly believe that all people are created equal, regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.

Words matter, and I’ve been careless with mine in situations where they could be recorded and broadly shared.

I consider this a learning experience, and my hope is to begin having one-on-one conversations with leaders in local communities—such as the blacks, Jews, gays, Mexicans and other non-English-speaking types, Indians (both dots and feathers), and women—to discuss a path to healing.

With regard to women, it has come to my attention that there will be a New York Times article published tomorrow in which three former members of my staff accuse me of inappropriate behavior.

Let me be clear: I’m deeply sorry to hear about the things I did.

As I understand it, the allegations stem from an initiative I introduced last year.

“Feel Good Fridays” was an innovative program in which I helped the ladies of the office decompress by administering massages, pedicures, and hands-on yoga instruction.

Participation was completely voluntary, and no one expressed discomfort at any time.

In fact, upon receiving my email introducing the program, these same women responded with what I believed to be eager confirmation of their consent. Among their replies were “You’re kidding, right?” with a laughing emoji; “Good one!” with two different laughing emojis; and “Ha, can you imagine?” with another laughing emoji.

At the time, I interpreted these responses as disbelief at their good fortune in working for such a sensitive boss. I now see that I misread their intent, and that my position as their employer might have ultimately made them feel obligated to take part.

I am not a perfect man. I have made mistakes and am profoundly sorry. I’m still learning, and am committed to doing better.

Finally, in anticipation of this getting out sooner or later, I’d like to issue a formal, public apology to my wife. It pains me to admit that I’ve betrayed her and broken my marital vows.

I’ve behaved in a way that doesn’t reflect my values or the image I’ve painstakingly cultivated. I was disappointed in myself when I had the affairs, and I’m disappointed in myself now.

In addition to therapy for my anger issues, I plan to seek treatment for sexual addiction, a condition I didn’t know I had until my publicist suggested it. That’s how insidious addiction can be. But please don’t take pity on me. I’m fully responsible for my actions.

Although she’s just learning about this now, my wife and I plan to work hard to rebuild trust and repair our marriage. We request privacy as we navigate this difficult chapter in our lives.

Again, I apologize profusely for my past transgressions, as well as my future ones.

This will be my final statement on these matters.