Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, apologized Wednesday after a graphic photo that appeared to show him naked made the rounds on social media this week.
An anonymous Twitter account began circulating the photo that shows a naked man resembling Barton. The Twitter user, whose identity is unknown, censored the photo using blue scribbles.
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TMZ published the photo, as well as a sexually explicit text message the Texas congressman allegedly sent to a woman.
“While separated from my second wife, prior to the divorce, I had sexual relationships with other mature adult women,” Barton said in a statement. “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.”
Barton, who has served in the House for 32 years, recently announced his plans to run for re-election. But in an interview Tuesday with the Texas Tribune, the Republican signaled he might be reconsidering his future.
“You’re as aware of what was posted as I am,” Barton said. “I am talking to a number of people, all of whom I have faith in and am deciding how to respond, quite frankly.”
