The California Report’s new series Beyond #MeToo: Abuse and Power Through a California Lens tackles many of the questions that have arisen in the wake of the #MeToo movement, and investigates how they play out in our lives, past the headlines.
The Possibility of Redemption: Bob Filner
Back in 2013, San Diego Mayor Bob Filner resigned from his office at the end of August. He pleaded guilty to three charges: felony false imprisonment and two misdemeanor battery charges. The felony involved forcibly restraining a woman, and the misdemeanors involved groping or kissing two others. At least 19 women came forward to accuse him of sexual harassment. Filner was sentenced to 90 days of in-home confinement, three years of probation and fines. He also agreed to never seek or hold public office again.
At the time, Filner wrote:
To all the women that I offended, I had no intention to be offensive, to violate any physical or emotional space. I was trying to establish personal relationships. But the combination of awkwardness and hubris, I think, led to behavior that many found offensive. I, again, as I have in the past, sincerely apologize to all of you and I will try to make amends in any suitable manner.
In the wake of this #MeToo moment, we decided to ask Filner if he would talk with us, more than four years later, about making amends and if there is a possibility of redemption.
