Well, this is gross.
Republican Congressman Joe Barton has issued an awkward apology. Somehow, a picture of his junk made in on the internet.
Barton, who announced his re-election bid earlier this month, is navigating in a political environment charged with emerging stories of sexual misbehavior in politics, in business and in the media. The photo, which appeared on an anonymous Twitter account, set off speculation within Texas GOP circles about his political future.
In a phone interview with The Texas Tribune on Tuesday, Barton said he was deliberating that.
“You’re as aware of what was posted as I am,” he said. “I am talking to a number of people, all of whom I have faith in and am deciding how to respond, quite frankly.”
A spokeswoman for Barton said Wednesday that he had no plans to resign and had filed for re-election.
But he wants everyone to know that his sexual relationships were consensual. And they were all of age, OK?!
“While separated from my second wife, prior to the divorce, I had sexual relationships with other mature adult women,” he said. “Each was consensual. Those relationships have ended. I am sorry I did not use better judgment during those days. I am sorry that I let my constituents down.”
Married Republican Congressman Joe Barton sent full front nude photos featuring his genitals & protuberant abdomen to women.
Office issued or expensed phone / account? During work day? Age & employment of victims? Investigate @HouseGOP https://t.co/bKwYxx5Nit
— RiotWomenn (@riotwomennn) November 22, 2017
Raise your hand if you feel personally victimized by Joe Barton’s dick pic. pic.twitter.com/WAR1QtK63p
— Marie Connor (@thistallawkgirl) November 22, 2017
Texas Republican Joe Barton apologized Wednesday after a lewd photo (yes a penis pic) and text message surfaced on social media this week. The photos were sent to women he was having relationships with.
This man who preaches “family values” recently was divorced for 2nd time.
— Brian Krassenstein🐬 (@krassenstein) November 22, 2017
Me, on laptop: Joe Barton is trending.
Friend, on phone: Is he dead?
Me: I don’t think so.
Friend: Sexual assault?
Me: I’m not sure, hold on.
Friend: Okay, I’m looking too.
Me: OH MY GOD.
Friend: NO NO NO
Me: DON’T LOOK AT THE PHOTOS JUST TRUST ME.
Friend: UGGGHHAHAAHNO! pic.twitter.com/7TEhVYY7Wg
— Holly O’Reilly (@AynRandPaulRyan) November 22, 2017
Texas Congressman Joe Barton apologizes for leaked nude photo and graphic texts https://t.co/8pcUnjmx2T
— Daily Mail US (@DailyMail) November 22, 2017
For the record, I didn’t look at the uncensored pic. No thanks. I won’t subject you to that either.
These guys are gross.