Report: Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló to resign amid protests
Days after announcing he would not seek re-election but would stay in office, Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rosselló is reportedly about to step aside after all.
Rosselló, who has been facing calls to step down after the publication of leaked text messages in which he and his aides make sexist and homophobic comments and mock Hurricane Maria victims, is expected to announce his resignation on Wednesday, CNN reports. Secretary of Justice Wanda Vazquez would take over as governor.
This comes as hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets in Puerto Rico to demand the resignation of Rosselló, who in addition to the leaked chats also came under fire after two former members of his administration were arrested by the FBI for alleged corruption. President Trump in recent days has blasted Rosselló as a "terrible governor," Fox News reports.
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On Sunday, Rosselló announced that he would not run for re-election and would step down as New Progressive Party president, but he did not resign as protesters have demanded. "I have committed errors and I have apologized," he said. "I am a good man that has a grand love for my island and for all."
CNN's report follows previous reporting from two local media outlets in Puerto Rico that Rosselló is to resign, reports the Miami Herald, which prompted celebration from protesters. One outlet, El Nuevo Día, reported that Rosselló will make his announcement before noon.
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Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
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