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.
Millions face wintry weather for what could be a record-setting holiday travel season
More than 119 million people are expected to travel for Christmas and Hanukkah, which both fall on the same day this year, through the New Year, according to AAA.
Review by Senate Democrats finds more unreported luxury trips by Clarence Thomas
A report by Democrats on the Judiciary Committee found additional travel taken in 2021 by Thomas but not reported on his annual financial disclosure, including trips on private jets and a yacht trip.
Where did Barry Jenkins feel safe as a kid? Atop a tree
Director Barry Jenkins is best known for films like "Moonlight" and "If Beale Street Could Talk." On Wild Card, he opens up about where he felt the safest as a kid.
Israeli strikes across Gaza kill at least 20, including five children
Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip overnight and into Sunday killed at least 20 people, including five children, Palestinian medical officials said.
I discovered one way to fight loneliness: The Germans call it a Stammtisch
Modern life can be lonely. Some are looking to an old German tradition – of drinking and conversation – to deepen connection through regular meetups.
This Christmas I’ll be grieving. Here’s how I’ll be finding joy.
Since her husband's death, newscaster Windsor Johnston has been looking for ways to recapture joy and continue her healing journey — one that's taken her to a place she'd never expected.
