Democratic Denver Mayor Michael Hancock publicly apologized after being accused of sexual harassment by a former member of his security detail Tuesday.
Leslie Branch-Wise, the former member of Hancock’s security, who currently serves as a police detective, claims the Democratic mayor sent her inappropriate text messages while she worked for him between 2011-2012. After the news broke Hancock issued an apology saying he did not know Branch-Wise considered the messages offensive, according to KMGH-TV.
“You know what, I’m apologizing and taking responsibility, and I hope that I get the opportunity to apologize to Detective Branch-Wise face to face, if she will allow me. I hope that happens. That’s where I’m going to leave that right now,” Hancock said. “At this point in time, I think what’s important now that it’s been brought to my attention that she found our exchanges offensive that I apologize.”
He said there were no legal matters or payments involved with the text messaging matter and he did not realize she considered them offensive.
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“I was not aware that she felt that they were offensive, and she was hurt by them. I’m learning that last week after six years, she felt they were offensive and she was hurt by them, and so I’m apologizing for that,” Hancock continued. “I sincerely apologize to Detective Branch-Wise. I apologize to my wife and family and to the people of Denver.”
In the texts, Hancock allegedly made comments on her physical appearance, calling her “sexy” and saying her appearance “made it hard” for him to “keep it correct.”
Branch-Wise said did not plan on pressing charges against the mayor.
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