Rep. Tom Reed (R-N.Y.) apologized Sunday for evidently sexually harassing an Aflac lobbyist at a bar in 2017 and said he will not seek re-election or pursue any elected office after his term ends. Reed had been exploring a run against Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D), currently under investigation for sexual harassment.
The former lobbyist, Nicolette Davis, said in a Washington Post article on Friday that Reed rubbed her back and unhooked her bra during a gathering at a Minneapolis pub on her first networking trip; she was 25, Reed was 45. Reed initially responded to the allegation by saying it was "not accurate." But in Sunday's statement, he said: "In reflection, my personal depiction of this event is irrelevant. Simply put, my behavior caused her pain, showed her disrespect, and was unprofessional. I was wrong, I am sorry, and I take full responsibility."
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