Even though San Diego’s Mayor Bob Filner initially apologized
for his inappropriate behavior towards women, he does not appear to really
understand the sexual harassment allegations against him. Born on Sept. 4,
1942, the now 70-year-old mayor might have trouble understanding why his (from
his point of view) “manly” behavior is causing uproar.
The first woman
who came publicly forward with sexual harassment allegations against Mayor Bob
Filner is 57-year-old Irene McCormack Jackson who is a longtime San Diego
Union-Tribune reporter and who left to work for the Port of San Diego before
accepting a job with Filner's office in January of 2013. She filed a lawsuit in
San Diego Superior Court against San Diego’s Mayor Bob Filner and the city and
is being represented by no other than Jackson's high-profile Los Angeles-based
attorney, Gloria Allred.
During her press conference on July 22, 2013, Gloria Allred
gave the following description of Mayor Bob Filner’s behavior – she should work
without her panties on, that he wanted to see her naked, that he could not wait
to consummate their relationship (which there was none other than
professional), and that he couldn’t wait to marry her. He had the right to demand kisses, to drag her
around in a headlock while whispering sexual comments in her ear. “He
apparently thought that he had the right to tell her that he wanted to see her
naked,” said Gloria Allred.
Irene McCormack Jackson also described Mayor Bob Filner’s
behavior during the July 22, 2013 press conference.