Republican State Senator Peter Lucido of Michigan issued a public apology on Wednesday, January 15, after telling female reporter Allison Donahue that a group of boys could "have a lot of fun with her."
According to Donahue's report in the Michigan Advance, Lucido told her during an event honoring the students at an all-boys school:
"You should hang around! You could have a lot of fun with these boys, or they could have a lot of fun with you."
According to Donahue, the young students and Lucido then "burst into an Old Boys' Network-type of laughter."
In her article, she said Lucido's comments were "belittling" and "came from a place of power."
The school issued an apology to Donahue:
For his part, Lucido initially resisted apologizing, telling the Detroit Free Press that his words were taken "out of context" and that an apology wasn't necessary.
He reluctantly relented later that same day, however, issuing an apology to The Associated Press.
"I apologize for the misunderstanding yesterday and for offending Allison Donahue."
But people did not see it as expressing sincere regret.
Minority Leader Jim Ananich, a Democrat, denounced Lucido and his apology.
"What his statement, his apology was basically saying [is], 'I'm sorry you realize I'm a jerk, and I'm a creep.' Leaders in this state, whether they're men or women, they don't act like this."
As did Senator Winnie Brinks.
Others condemned Lucido and praised Donahue for speaking out.
Lucido had been planning to run for Governor in 2022. Time will tell whether he still feels that avenue is open to him.
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