A state legislator tried to smear himself by falsely claiming he had sex with a male prostitute
Most politicians try to avoid having their names tarnished, but one Michigan state legislator apparently went out of his way to smear his own reputation.
State Rep. Todd Courser said he distributed an email in May claiming he had sex with a male prostitute behind a Lansing nightclub. Courser also called himself a "bisexual porn-addicted sex deviant," the Detroit Free Press reports. In audio released Monday, Courser said he made up the allegations and sent the email, purporting to be his own anonymous political enemy. He said he did so in order to subvert a blackmailer attempting to expose an affair he allegedly had with another lawmaker, fellow tea party state Rep. Cindy Gamrat.
Courser's thinking was if the news of his affair got out, it would then seem "mild by comparison," to the email's accusations, he said Monday. Courser and Gamrat reportedly also dismissed aides who were unwilling to help in the cover-up.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
He apologized Monday to his family, Gamrat's family, and constituents for his decision to send the email. Courser also said he will not resign.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Julie Kliegman is a freelance writer based in New York. Her work has appeared in BuzzFeed, Vox, Mental Floss, Paste, the Tampa Bay Times and PolitiFact. Her cats can do somersaults.
-
The Onion is having a very ironic laugh with Infowars
The Explainer The satirical newspaper is purchasing the controversial website out of bankruptcy
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
'Rahmbo, back from Japan, will be looking for a job? Really?'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
What's next for electric vehicles under Trump?
Today's Big Question And what does that mean for Tesla's Elon Musk?
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published