Rep. Ann Wagner, R-Mo., said Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens is “unfit to lead” the state after a report detailing allegations of sexual encounters a woman had with the governor was released Wednesday.
Members of a bipartisan investigative committee formed in the Missouri House of Representatives found the testimony of a hair stylist who had an extramarital affair with Greitens to be credible. In the 25-page report from the committee, the woman detailed allegations of sexual and physical abuse by Greitens.
“This is a sad chapter in our history that should never have come to pass. Two months ago, after the disturbing allegations against the governor came to light, I called for an immediate and transparent investigation,” Wagner tweeted. “The transcripts paint the picture of a vulnerable woman and a man who preyed on that vulnerability.
“I am disgusted, disheartened, and I believe Governor Greitens is unfit to lead our state.”
The transcripts paint the picture of a vulnerable woman and a man who preyed on that vulnerability. I am disgusted, disheartened, and I believe Governor Greitens is unfit to lead our state.
— Ann Wagner (@RepAnnWagner) April 12, 2018
Allegations of the affair, which occurred in 2015, first surfaced in December 2017 when the woman’s ex-husband gave news outlets recordings of the two talking about the woman’s encounters with Greitens. The ex-husband said the governor had taken photos of his former wife and tried to blackmail her to remain silent about the relationship.
Greitens admitted to the extramarital affair but denied blackmailing the woman.
In the report released Wednesday, the woman told the committee that during one encounter, Greitens took her into his basement, taped her hands to pull-up rings, blindfolded her, and then took her clothes off. Greitens then took photos of her and warned that if she spoke of him, he would put the photos “everywhere I can,” the report said.
“They are going to be everywhere, and then everyone will know what a little whore you are,” the woman claimed Greitens told her.
The woman said that when she tried to leave the basement, Greitens wrapped her in a “bear hug” and laid her on the ground. The governor then allegedly forced her to perform oral sex on him while she cried.
According to the report, the woman testified she and Greitens had several sexual encounters, some of which were consensual and others that were not. The woman also claimed the governor slapped her.
Ahead of the report’s release, Greitens said the investigation was a “political witch hunt” and said he believed the report contained “false” and “salacious accusations.”
He has refused to resign from his post.
