MP Clement caught in sex scandal; ‘shared sexually explicit images’ with female he alleges tried to extort money from him
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com
PARRY SOUND-MUSKOKA — MP Tony Clement, embroiled in the midst of sex scandal, has stepped down from the Tory shadow cabinet and is giving up some of his Parliamentary duties and will be seeking treatment.
The 57-year-old Parry Sound-Muskoka MP, a well-known social media user, resigned Tuesday after he says he shared explicit sexual images and a video of himself electronically.
He says they were sent in the last three weeks and he believed they were going to a “consenting female.”
The scandal came to light after he called in the RCMP to investigate when he claims the person was trying to extort him.
“I recognize now that I have gone down a wrong path and have exercised very poor judgment,” Clement said in a statement Tuesday.
He also apologized to his constituents.
Reports say Conservative Party Leader Andrew Scheer said he has appointed Lisa Raitt to take over for Clement as the justice critic for now.
“While I’m greatly disappointed with Mr. Clement’s actions, I am encouraged that he has decided to seek help and I wish him all the best in doing so,” Scheer said.
Clement will remain in the Conservative caucus.
“I am committed to seeking the help and treatment I need in my personal life to make sure this will not happen again, while also continuing to discharge my duties as a Member of Parliament,” he wrote.
This comes just days after he posted photos on Twitter of he and his wife Lynne Golding hugging at the launch of her book.
CLEMENT’S STATEMENT:
“Over the last three weeks, I have shared sexually explicit images and a video of myself to someone who I believed was a consenting female recipient. The recipient was, in fact, an individual or party who targeted me for the purpose of financial extortion. The RCMP are currently investigating the matter to determine the identity of the party responsible for the extortion attempt.
“Tonight, I have resigned from my House of Commons committee assignments as well as Conservative Shadow Minister for Justice in order to focus on my personal life and my family. I ask that all Canadians respect my and my family’s privacy at this time.
“I recognize now that I have gone down a wrong path and have exercised very poor judgment. First and foremost, I apologize to my family for the needless pain and humiliation my actions have caused. I also apologize to my colleagues and my constituents for letting them down. I am committed to seeking the help and treatment I need in my personal life to make sure this will not happen again while also continuing to discharge my duties as a Member of Parliament.”
