John J. Diehl Jr.’s apology comes after paper releases messages.
By Raif Karerat
WASHINGTON, DC: Missouri House Speaker John J. Diehl Jr. apologized in a written statement over a slew of sexually charged messages he exchanged with a college freshman who was in a Missouri Capitol internship program that shut down abruptly last month.
The Kansas City Star released text messages that reveal what it calls “a flirty rapport” between one of Missouri’s most influential lawmakers and a woman who drew apparent pleasure from the clandestine association.
After originally declining to comment, Diehl issued a statement about six hours after the texts were posted on Wednesday.
“I take full responsibility for my actions and am truly sorry to those I let down,” Diehl’s statement said. “I apologize for the poor judgment I displayed that put me and those closest to me in this situation. I also regret that the woman has been dragged into this situation. The buck stops here. I ask for forgiveness. I will begin immediately working to restore the trust of those closest to me, and getting back to the important work that is required in the final days of session.”
According to The Star, the intern has hired an attorney specializing in employment matters and alleges the text messages are not real. The paper also reported she has told confidants that she had an ongoing relationship with Diehl.
Multiple sources reportedly aided The Star in confirming that the screenshots of the texts—which display Diehl’s business cell phone number—originated from the intern’s smartphone. The exchanges also included photographs of each of them, while others who know Diehl well told the news outlet that they recognized the language and tone of the conversations from their own text exchanges with him.