Liberal Member of Parliament (MP) Darshan Kang resigned from the Canadian government caucus Thursday after a second allegation of sexual harassment surfaced
Kang said in a statement: “I wish to focus my efforts at this time on clearing my name.”
Kang revealed Tuesday that he is on an extended medical leave of absence because of an initial sexual harassment allegation.
In a statement, the Calgary MP continues to deny the accusations, which now include the charge that he offered $100,000 in hush money to the woman who says she was harassed.
“For the past decade, I have dedicated mfy life to public office,” Kang said in a statement.
“Since the allegations of sexual harassment were levelled against me, I have been under a tremendous amount of stress and subsequently, I was placed on medical leave.”
Kang continued that he has “not participated in public events” because of his medical status and while he “cannot comment directly on an open, ongoing investigation, I continue to proclaim my innocence and will defend my reputation at all costs.”
According to the Toronto Star, the father of the woman who was allegedly sexually harassed has disclosed that his daughter was offered hush money — installments of cash up to $100,000. The father, who has remained anonymous, is accusing the MP of unwanted touching, such as hugging and holding her hand, while on one occasion, trying to remove the female staffer’s jacket over a glass of wine.
Kang was first elected as an MP in 2008 by a Calgary constituency that is heavily influenced by Sikh voters.