Merrill Responds To Misconduct Claims, Saying He Was 'Harrassed'

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill responded to Tuscaloosa Patch on Tuesday as accusations swirl following a story originating on a right-wing social media blog that levees heavy accusations of inappropriate behavior against the state's chief election official.

The story was penned by Patrick Howley of National File, a far-right blog that has received criticism from media watchdogs in the past. I've chosen not to publish the headline of the story due to graphic language not suitable for readers of all ages, but included what is presented to be firsthand interviews with Cesaire McPherson, who claims to have had an extramarital affair with the Alabama Secretary of State.

The story includes graphic depictions of sexually-explicit conversations, physical abuse, screenshots from alleged text message communications with Merrill and accusations of Merrill using racist language.

It's also worth noting that while the story does include what appear to be candid photos and messages from Merrill — including one that appears to be in a hotel room — National File's reputation is far from sterling, with the blog receiving a "Tin Foil Hat" level for conspiracy theories from Media Bias Fact Check.

A consistent theme with the blog also seems to be attacking Republican politicians who have either spoken out against former President Donald Trump or openly attacking liberal policies.

When asked by Tuscaloosa Patch on Tuesday about the story, Merrill attributed the details and accusations to vitriolic partisanship and rancor on the campaign trail, as he is expected to announce a run for U.S. Senate against Mo Brooks — a close ally of President Donald Trump.

Merrill, also an outspoken supporter of the 45th president, used attacks against Trump as a comparison for the recent onslaught of accusations against his reputation.

"Let me say unequivocally that these baseless allegations are entirely false," he told Patch on Tuesday. "Beginning in 2019, this woman began texting and communicating with me through social media. While we exchanged texts and she even visited the office, it was clear she had other intentions that were bordering on obsession. I alerted my wife, Cindy, to this and we both agreed to cut off any and all communication with her."

Merrill then said when he cut off communication with McPherson, she began harassing his staff during all hours of the day, going as far as to stalk him at multiple locations and his home in Montgomery. He also said she sent threatening messages to him that "foretold the lies she would make up about my marital life if I did not keep talking to her."

The communications reportedly continued, though. Merrill said McPherson reached him in July 2020 and he demanded she stop harassing him, which came after he says he had already instructed his staff to cease communications with her.

"At that point, she sent a message to me that confirmed she was harassing my staff, that she was making up marital allegations about me, and that she never had nor ever would have a relationship of any sort with me," he said. "This communication has been saved and I am happy to provide it to the media."

Merrill went on to lament that the communications from McPherson grew so repetitive and aggressive that he had to block her number and remove her from social media and even once it was blocked, he claims his phone records indicate she continued calling him over 1,000 times in the span of just a few months.

"It is abhorrent and incredibly disheartening that her obsession and harassment of me has made her tell complete and utter lies that only harm my relationship with my wife, Cindy, to whom I have been married for almost thirty-six years, as well as my family," he said. "But let me restate for the record, these are lies that do not deserve to see the light of day. These lies are further documented by her communication with me where she stated she never had a relationship with me and that her only intent was to make up undocumented allegations about me."

Merrill, who has yet to make an official announcement on a potential Senate run, said the lies from those working against him are only strengthening his resolve for public service.

"The individuals and media who perpetuate these falsehoods need to be held accountable and we need people to step up to the plate who will fight the false narratives driven by those in ivory tower," he said. "Obviously, these allegations are being introduced specifically at this time to harm me politically. I will not dignify these allegations with any other public comments. I am honored to be Cindy’s husband, and I will continue to honor her in our marriage, as well as continue to serve the people of this great state as their 53rd Secretary of State and in other capacities if they see fit to allow me to represent them."

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