MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley admitted Wednesday he made inappropriate remarks to a top female staffer two years ago, but he denied accusations that he had a physical affair.
Bentley said during a news conference that he apologized to his family and to the family of the female staff member for the remarks he called “a mistake.”
“I am truly sorry and I accept full responsibility,” Bentley said.
The governor’s press conference came in response to allegations made by the state’s former law enforcement director, Spencer Collier, who was fired a day earlier.
Collier said that he heard a tape recording in 2014 that in which Bentley made sexual comments to a staffer. He also said he believed the governor had an inappropriate relationship with the staffer.
The governor divorced last year after Dianne Bentley said their marriage had suffered a breakdown.
A statement issued Tuesday night did not give a reason for Collier’s firing but did mention a recent investigation into the possible misuse of state funds within the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
In the statement, Bentley called Collier a friend and praised him for his work overseeing the consolidated law enforcement functions of state government.
The governor had placed Collier on medical leave in February to recover from back surgery. Bentley on Tuesday announced that acting Secretary Stan Stabler would now fill the permanent job.