San Diego Mayor Bob Filner has announced he will undergo therapy following allegations of sexual harassment from a number of female employees.

Filner will report to a behavior counseling clinic on Aug. 5 to begin two weeks of intensive therapy, reported Politico. The two weeks will be just the beginning of ongoing counseling and therapy to address his behavior. At this point, Filner has no intention to resign from office. During his stay at the clinic, he will receive briefings twice a day.

“Words are not enough,” Filner said, apologizing. “I must take responsibility for my conduct. My hope is that becoming a better person, I put myself in a position to someday be forgiven,” Filner said. “However, before I even ask or I even think of asking for forgiveness, I need to demonstrate that my behavior has changed. And that will only happen over time and only if such incidents never ever happen again.”

Filner stands accused of sexually harassing seven women, and though he has apologized for disrespecting them, he denies ever harassing any of them. “I do not believe these claims are valid,” Filner said on Monday. “That is why due process is so important. I intent to defend myself vigorously and I know that justice will prevail.”

Filner plans to return to his full mayoral duties on Aug. 19. However, as the scandal remains in the public consciousness while he remains behind the clinic walls, he might find himself forced into resignation. If not resignation, San Diego Democratic Party Chairwoman Francine Busy believes he could be recalled.

“I think [San Diego residents] would rather wipe the slate clean and get a fresh start,” Busby told on Fox News. “I don’t think the people in San Diego want a mayor who is in rehab while this story continues to unfold.”

Get Uinterview's FREE iPhone App For Daily News Updates here.

Get the FREE Uinterview iPad app here and watch our videos anywhere.

Leave a comment

Read more about: