Opinion: My Anthony Weiner apology, in his own words
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I’d just like to tell all of you how sorry I am.
When I heard that the Twitter feed of Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) included a photo of an underwear-clad man’s crotch, I wrote that I was ‘inclined to believe’ that Weiner was hacked.
Clearly, I’ve written things I deeply regret. I am not, however, resigning from The Times’ editorial board. I don’t believe I made improper use of any Times resources or that I violated the Times’ code of conduct.
Giving Weiner the benefit of the doubt was a very dumb thing to do. It wasn’t part of a plan. If you’re looking for some kind of explanation for it, I don’t have one. I haven’t ruled out professional help. But this is not something that can be treated away.
I treated the Weiner episode as a frivolous thing, not acknowledging that it would cause harm to so many people.
My blogging was completely consensual. To the best of my knowledge, my readers were all adults. I have never blogged outside my marriage.
I’m not making any excuses for my behavior. I don’t do drugs. I wasn’t drinking when I blogged about Weiner. I’m not looking to point blame and share responsibility with anyone.
There’s nothing inherently wrong with social media. There’s nothing inherently wrong with these outlets. What I did was a mistake.
I love my wife very much, and we have no intention of splitting up over this.*
Related:
Anthony Weiner: No photographic memory of his underwear drawer
Rep. Anthony Weiner, tweeting with fire
-- Jon Healey
*Although I have to confess to copying virtually every sentence in this post from Weiner’s statements at his news conference.
