Kentucky House speaker resigns after sexual harassment settlement

Kentucky’s House speaker resigned from his post Sunday after he settled sexual harassment claims with one of his staffers, The Associated Press reported.

Jeff Hoover (R) denied sexually harassing the staffer, but said he sent inappropriate text messages that were consensual. He settled the claim last month.

{mosads}“I engaged in banter that was consensual but make no mistake it was wrong on my part to do that. And for that, I am truly sorry,” Hoover said, according to the news service.

The individual who levied complaints against Hoover also accused three other Kentucky Republicans of sexual harassment.

Hoover’s resignation comes as lawmakers in Washington are calling to step up sexual harassment training. Four lawmakers came forward last week saying they had experienced sexual harassment during their time at the Capitol.