Disgraced Manitoba MLA Cliff Graydon says he's not a sexual harasser, has paid 'huge price' for comments
Emerson representative dismissed from PC caucus apologizes, says he's guilty of a 'bad sense of humour'
CliffGraydon,the embattled Emerson MLA ousted from the Manitoba Progressive Conservative caucus, says he is no sexual harasser, although he acknowledges he's made inappropriate comments toward female legislative staff members in the past.
"I admit I'm guilty of having a bad sense of humour," Graydon said Thursday morning.
The veteran PC backbencher,now an Independent MLA, made hisfirst public comments to the media during the Thursday press conference since he was booted from the Torycaucus two weeks ago for his behaviour.
Heapologizedfor his conductand pledgedto serve theremainder of histerm as a fiscally conservative member of the legislature.
At first, Graydon, 72,stressed "as strongly as I can" thathe is not a sexual harasser and has never been accused of that.
"People who know me best can verify Ihave never been accused of anything remotely resembling sexual harassment in my past. My wife of 45 years and my children don't deserve hearingthese media statements about their husband andfather."
Changing times
After questioning from reporters, however, heacknowledged his remarks would beperceived as harassment by today's standards.
"I'vegrown up in a different era," Graydon said.
"Irealize some peopletoday are much more sensitive to inappropriate behaviour andthat going forward, Iwill ensure Iwill be more conscious about my comments."
CliffGraydonsays he's not a sexual harasser:
CBC initially broke the news last month that Graydon was accused of asking a female legislative staff member to sit on his lap during a recent meeting. A second staffer then came forward to CBC with a similar allegation.
He had also suggested another woman lick food off his face, according to a Winnipeg Free Press report.
There could be many [accusers]in my past. Ihave no idea, with my sense of humour.- Emerson MLA Cliff Graydon
"My jokes that now I regret were simply intended to be humorous, and I can assurethose offended they were not intended to be demeaning or harmful to anyone," he said.
"I have apologized and I've paid a very huge price for my comments."
Graydonsought toclarify he did not ask a woman to sit on his lap, butratheroffered his knee or a chair instead.
He has no recollection of asking a female staff member to lick him, he said.
When asked whetherother women may come forward with accusations, Graydoncouldn't say.
"There could be many in my past.Ihave no idea, with my sense of humour," he said.
Repeated infractions
The Progressive Conservative caucus voted to kickGraydonout last month after what chairman WayneEwaskocalled "a pattern of inappropriate behaviour."
Graydoninitially said the incident was dealt with to the satisfaction of all parties, but days later hewent on medical leave, addinghewould not run for re-election in 2020.
He has represented theelectoral division of Emerson since 2007.
MLA does not grasp seriousness: accuser
The formerlegislativestafferwho saidGraydonasked her tosit on his lap in 2013said the MLA's comments on Thursday show he doesnot grasptheseverity of sexual harassment.
"It's not a simple case of having different senses of humour or misunderstandings based on generational differences; it's something more targeted and nefarious. It's entirely sexual harassment," wrotethe woman, whomCBChas agreed not to identify.
"His response today shows that he is unwilling to take other perspectives to heart and accept responsibility for his actions."
At the mediaconference, Graydon said he'sdisappointed to be removed from the Tory caucus, but would not criticize their decision.
He said his loved ones have been subject to harassment from the media, which he asked to stop, andthankedhis family,friends and constituents for offeringhim unconditional support during this challenging time.
Graydon promised he wouldn't be sidelined from his legislative agenda as an Independent, as he will speak out on matters important to him, such as school taxes on farmland and agricultural concerns.
He will not join a pre-existing political party or start a new one, he said.
"Anyone who knows CliffGraydonknows that I'm not a quitter and Iwill continue to serve out the rest of my term," he said.
Later in the day, premier Brian Pallistertold mediahe feels Graydon has "responded in a reasonable way" after the accusations came to light.
Pallister said he first became aware of inappropriate comments made by Graydonin early 2018, and his government took immediate action.
Past controversy
The recent controversy is not the first for Graydon, who faced trouble last winter when he used social media to call asylum-seekers who had been crossing the border "a drain on society."
He also retweetedposts from others that called Prime Minister Justin Trudeau a traitor, a scumbag and a disgrace.
Graydon apologized, deleted the tweets and agreed to step back from social media and undergo sensitivity training, the details of which were never made public.
He said Thursday he is continuing to take training, but he wouldnotdivulge the nature of it.
With files from Kristin Annable, The Canadian Press
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