A second alleged victim has come forward claiming San Diego Mayor Bob Filner acted inappropriately toward her at a public event.
Laura Fink, a political consultant, told KPBS Monday that Filner grabbed her backside at a fundraising dinner she was working at after a colleague said she had “worked her ass off” for Filner.
After allegedly touching her posterior, he then allegedly said, “No, it’s still there!”
Fink later emailed Filner and demanded an apology, according to a document provided to KPBS. Fink said that apology never came.
She also told KPBS the reason she did not come forward sooner was that she “was trying to build a career in the political field … and Bob Filner has a reputation for swift retribution and for holding grudges.”
Special Section: Mayor Under Fire
Filner has been accused of sexually harassing multiple women. Two have publicly come forward since the claims were made earlier this month.
On Monday, one of Filner’s former staffers Irene McCormack Jackson claimed that Filner told her to “work without panties” and detailed other alleged acts of sexual harassment. Jackson called her experience working for the mayor “the worst time of my entire working life.”
McCormack has filed a lawsuit with prominent lawyer Gloria Allred.
Filner responded to the allegations with a statement, saying in part: “I am saddened by the charges that were leveled against me today. Once due process is allowed to unfold, I am certain there will be a better understanding of this situation.”
Read the full statement here
After being accused of sexually harassing employees, Filner released a videotaped statement admitting he needs help, but he has yet to respond directly to specific allegations.
Timeline: Bob Filner’s Term as Mayor
Since the accusations surfaced, Filner has been a no-show at many public events and has refused to respond to media questions.
