Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens, Trinity ‘96, admitted to having an extramarital affair and is accused of blackmailing a woman with pictures of her.
The allegations and the Republican governor’s admission to the affair were first published by KMOV Wednesday evening. Greitens was an Angier B. Duke Scholar, Rhodes Scholar and served as a Navy Seal. He won his governor’s race in 2016 by six points.
The affair was revealed in a recording made by the husband of the woman in which she described their encounters. She alleges on the recording that Greitens took a photograph of her that he could use as “blackmail.” Greitens has denied those allegations.
In a joint statement, Greitens and his wife Sheena explained the affair:
"A few years ago, before Eric was elected governor, there was a time when he was unfaithful in our marriage. This was a deeply personal mistake. Eric took responsibility, and we dealt with this together honestly and privately. While we never would have wished for this pain in our marriage, or the pain that this has caused others, with God’s mercy Sheena has forgiven and we have emerged stronger. We understand that there will be some people who cannot forgive—but for those who can find it in your heart, Eric asks for your forgiveness, and we are grateful for your love, your compassion and your prayers."
Greitens’ attorney James Bennett called the allegations of blackmail “outrageous.”
Thursday, St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner announced that she was launching a formal investigation.
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