(Image source: The Oregonian)
BY TRACY PFEIFFER
ANCHOR AUSTIN KIM
Oregon Congressman David Wu is facing allegations of a quote- “unwanted sexual encounter” with the daughter of a campaign contributor.
The Oregonian broke the story -- and reports...
“A distraught young woman called ... Wu's Portland office this spring, accusing him of an unwanted sexual encounter, according to multiple sources. When confronted, the Oregon Democrat acknowledged a sexual encounter to his senior aides but insisted it was consensual, the sources said.”
The young woman reportedly graduated from high school in 2010, and reports say the incident happened over Thanksgiving weekend of last year. (Video: KPTV)
Oregon’s KPTV has the only public statement on the issue from Wu’s office -- though the correspondent notes, it doesn’t actually address the allegation.
“This is very serious, and I have absolutely no desire to bring unwanted publicity, attention or stress to a young woman and her family.”
Many news media have noted in their coverage -- this is only the latest in a series of troubles for the Democratic representative.
In February, this photograph of Wu in a tiger suit emerged.
Staffers described the photo as quote- “a moment with his kids.” (Image: Willamette Week)
That image was linked to the quote- “erratic” behavior that reportedly prompted the loss of several staffers after his successful 2010 election campaign.
Adding to that -- more serious accusations from his past.
“In 1976, Wu was accused of attempted rape by a former girlfriend. No charges were filed in that case, but Wu, who was then attending Stanford University, was required to see a counselor and was disciplined by the university.”
Politico also notes Representative Wu is being treated for quote- “an unspecified mental health condition” and is separated from his wife.
He’s reportedly sought advice on the issue from House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi—
But The Washington Post reports, Pelosi had no comment and is quote- “totally immersed” in debt talks.
So is this the last straw for Wu’s constituents? Oregon’s KATU hit the streets to find out.
“Well I still don’t know what that means.”
“He also admitted that dressing up like a tiger was inappropriate.”
REPORTER: “Some simply aren't surprised at what any member of Congress is up to these days.”
ANNE MEZERA, VOTER: “Everybody’s got their thing that they’re doing that is morally wrong and politicians are in the spotlight, then, so-- It happens. I’m just glad he’s admitting it. He’s not trying to cover it up.”
GEORGE MCDOWELL, VOTER: “I would think he’d need help.”
Wu has not stated whether he has any intent to leave office, although The Oregonian reports public calls for his resignation and heavy hints from fellow politicians are growing louder.
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Transcript by Newsy.
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