Denver Mayor Apologizes For 2012 Sexy Texts [WATCH]

DENVER, CO -- Denver Mayor Michael Hancock apologized and said he “blurred the lines between being a friend and being a boss” when he admitted sending inappropriate sexy texts in 2012 to a female police officer on his security detail. But he denied ever touching her.

"My behavior did not involve sexual advances or inappropriate physical contact," Hancock said in a video.

Detective Leslie Branch-Wise came forward Tuesday in a Denver 7 interview where she said Hancock had sent her inappropriate text messages in 2012.

In text messages, shared with the station, the mayor referred to her as "sexy" and asked if she had ever taken a "pole dancing class." The text shown on Channel 7 then had the words, "Be careful! I’m curious ;)!" Commenting on her "new do," the mayor allegedly texted “You make it hard on a brotha to keep it correct every day.”

Branch-Wise said the pressure from the unwanted attention from her boss made her ask to be reassigned to another department.

“I just want people to know that I’m a woman, I have children and I’m a victim of sexual harassment,” Branch-Wise said. “It made me physically sick. It was extremely scary. And I dealt with it at that time the best way that I could.” Branch-Wise said she felt that she could not complain. “Who do you tell if he’s at the top?” she asked.

Branch-Wise filed a sex harassment suit against Denver mayoral staffer Wayne McDonald alleging he had harassed her during her tenure on the mayoral detail. Hancock fired McDonald in 2012 and the city paid Branch-Wise $75,000 to settle the claims. McDonald later sued the city for wrongful termination and received a $200,000 settlement.

She told Channel 7 her lawyers told her not to bring up the mayor during the lawsuit six years ago.

Hancock, who is married, apologized to Branch-Wise and his wife and family in a video released Tuesday.

"During Detective Branch-Wise’s time on the security team, we became friends. My text messages in 2012 blurred the line between being a friend and being a boss," Hancock said. "Unfortunately, I didn’t know until a few days ago that she felt our text exchanges were unwelcome and contributed to the pain and disrespect she was already feeling. But it is obvious now that she did feel that way.

"I sincerely apologize to Detective Branch-Wise, to my wife and family and to the people of Denver," Hancock said in the video. "I trust that those who know me will recognize that this is not the full measure of my character, who I am as a husband, father, son and mayor of this great city," he continued. "I have learned from this mistake and I assure you that my words and actions will continue to support all women in the workplace." Hancock said he thought Branch-Wise "showed courage coming forward in 2012, and today."

Image via YouTube