Seattle Mayor Ed Murray: ‘It’s been a difficult week’

Seattle Mayor Ed Murray has issued his first statement since last Friday, when he dismissed allegations of sexually abusing a minor in the 1980s.

RELATED: Seattle mayor can ‘expect to be questioned’ about facts in alleged rape case

“There’s no two ways about it: It’s been a difficult week.

“As I stated last week, the awful accusation made against me is very painful to me and Michael. It is also simply not true. I vigorously denied it when I was first made aware of it, and will continue to do so.

“Without offering any evidence, the accuser has described me in very specific and intimate detail, and his accusation depends on these descriptions being accurate. If this description is inaccurate, the accusation cannot be credible. Yesterday, I provided material evidence refuting the accusation. The accusation should be laid to rest.

“I will continue to lead this city as mayor. I will continue to run for re-election, so that we can sustain and build upon the progress we have made in my first term advancing police reform, raising wages for thousands of Seattleites, addressing our homelessness crisis, building more affordable housing, closing racial disparities in our public schools, supporting black male achievement, battling climate change, creating vibrant, livable neighborhoods for all, standing up to the Trump Administration – and so much more.

“I am proud to be your mayor and ask for your continued support.”

 

Also on Wednesday, the attorney representing Murray’s accuser has requested a deposition for May 2. According to a formal court notice, Murray “can expect to be questioned” about “various potential causes of the medical matters referenced publicly by his attorneys in a news conference on April 11, 2017.”

Murray’s attorney has asked that the plaintiff’s lawyers drop the case.

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