Rob Porter's two ex-wives say Orrin Hatch apologized to them for his initial defense of Porter

When Britain's Daily Mail first published the allegations that then-White House Staff Secretary Rob Porter had been physically and verbally abusive to his two ex-wives, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), whom Porter worked for as chief of staff, was quoted as saying "it's incredibly discouraging to see such a vile attack on such a decent man." A day later, after Porter resigned — reportedly against Hatch's urging — Hatch said he was "heartbroken" by the allegations and said "domestic violence in any form is abhorrent." Now, Hatch has sent letters of apology to the two wives, Jennie Willoughby and Colbie Holderness, CNN reported Sunday.

"It was a sincere apology for pain he may have caused us," Willoughby told CNN. In his letter, Hatch explained that he "was unaware of the nature of the article and was under the impression political enemies were mounting an attack against Rob, which is why he released the first statement to the White House," she said, and he "reiterated his explanation as to why his statement changed." Holderness said simply, "I appreciate his apology."

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