Colorado Lawmaker Accused of Harassment: I Am Sorry

COLORADO -- A Colorado lawmaker on Saturday issued an apology for any pain he may have caused after three women came out this week accusing the representative of sexual harassment. Rep. Steve Lebsock said he was "sorry" and that he perceived the interactions with the accusers as "playful."

Lebsock, who is running for state treasurer, was accused by Rep. Faith Winter of making unwanted sexual advances. Winter said Lebsock tried to persuade her to go home with him then became aggressive when she said no during a party in 2016.

Lebsock is accused of wrongdoing by eight other women including a lobbyist who said the lawmaker propositioned her while they discussed policy.

In a statement to The Denver Post, Lebsock said he thought the interactions were playful and flirty.

"I have come to realize that it does not matter that, at the time, I may have perceived my words as playful. It does not matter that, at the time, I may have felt that we were flirting. It does not matter that, at the time, I may have felt what I said was ok. It does not matter that I may not remember the exact words which were hurtful. It does not matter that, at the time, I thought we were joking. The only thing that matters is how I made these three women feel. I am sorry," the statement read.

Lebsock went on to say "The best thing we can do with our lives is to relieve someone's pain. If that is true, and I believe it to be true. Then, the worst thing we can do in our life is cause someone pain. Last night, I realized the pain I have caused Faith, Holly and Cassie. I am sorry."

In a response to Lebsock, the accusers said the lawmaker didn't apologize for his actions.

"His apology was about how he made us feel but he never apologized for his actions. Additionally, he concentrates on words but in at least two cases there was also physical contact. Touching without consent isn't play or flirty it harassment or assault," the statement provided to The Denver Post read.

In a statement on Friday, House Speaker Crisanta Duran urged the Democratic lawmaker to step down from his post.

"These are deeply disturbing allegations. I believe there should be extremely high standards of conduct for the legislature, and I take any allegations of sexual assault and harassment very seriously," Duran said. "There is no place for those types of actions at the legislature."

A native of Sterling, Lebsock was elected to the in 2012. He previously served on the Thornton City Council for eight years.

--Image via Colorado Legislature