Governor Apologizes for Inappropriate Remarks, Denies Physical Relationship with Advisor
Governor Robert Bentley says he did not have a physical relationship with a top advisor and allegations of an affair are not true or accurate. But the governor says he did make inappropriate comments to her which was a mistake.
That’s in response to the former director of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Spencer Collier, who held a press conference earlier Wednesday detailing an alleged affair between Bentley and a top advisor, Rebekah Mason. Bentley fired Collier Tuesday saying an ongoing investigation revealed possible misuse of funds within the agency.
Collier said he heard an audio recording supplied by a family member that consisted of Bentley and Mason having a sexual conversation. Bentley says he has been made aware of the tape but he has not heard it.
“I’m sure that I have, at that time, I said some inappropriate things and I know that I did that,” says Bentley. He says he has apologized to his family and Mason’s family. Bentley says he’s asking for forgiveness from those involved and the people of Alabama.
Bentley says he has not done anything illegal and has not asked anyone to lie. He says he has not considered stepping down.
“The people of Alabama have twice elected me. I have been completely honest with the people of Alabama, and I’m being honest today,” says Bentley. “I stand before you and stand before the people of this state and say I made a mistake.”
Collier also says ALEA director Stan Stabler discovered a text of a “sexual nature” while part of the governor’s security detail two years ago which brought the alleged affair to Collier’s attention. Stabler says he didn’t find such a text.
Esther Ciammachilli and Rachel Osier Lindley also contributed to this report.
Top Instagram reels from Goats and Soda in 2025: Plumpy’Nut, aid cuts, soccer grannies
Our most-viewed Instagram videos include reports from a Rhode Island factory that makes special food for malnourished children and from a tournament for soccer-playing "grannies."
‘The Rest of Our Lives’ takes readers on a midlife crisis road trip
America's literary highways may be plenty crowded with middle-aged runaways fleeing lives that increasingly feel like a bad fit. But Ben Markovits adds a moving tale to the collection.
Hunker down with these 13 mysteries and thrillers from 2025
Mysteries and thrillers are enjoyable no matter the season, but there's something extra satisfying about curling up in the winter with a warm drink and an all-engrossing read. Here's what we suggest.
Should the U.S. model its vaccine policy on Denmark’s? Experts say we’re nothing alike
The Trump administration wants to revamp U.S. childhood vaccination recommendations to align with some other peer nations, including one tiny country in northern Europe.
Marijuana rescheduling would bring some immediate changes, but others will take time
President Trump set the process in motion to ease federal restrictions on marijuana. But his order doesn't automatically revoke laws targeting marijuana, which remains illegal to transport over state lines.
The cultural works becoming public domain in 2026, from Betty Boop to Nancy Drew
The original Betty Boop, the first four Nancy Drew books and Greta Garbo's first talkie are among the many works from 1930 that will be free to use, share and remake starting on Jan. 1.
