Jul 27, 2018

Federal Housing director accused of sexual harassment

Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Mel Watt  delivers remarks after being sworn. His wife Eulada Watt  stands by his side.

Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Mel Watt (L) and his wife Eulada Watt (R). Photo: by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Mel Watt has been accused by a staffer of making multiple inappropriate, sexual comments when the woman had approached him about her salary and career, Politico's Victoria Guida, Katy O'Donnell and Lorraine Woellert report.

Key quotes: Watt once asked in regards to a tattoo on the woman's ankle, "If I kissed that one would it lead to more?" In response to the leaked documents and partial transcripts, Watt told Politico that he had not done anything illegal and that "the selective leaks related to this matter are obviously intended to embarrass or to lead to an unfounded or political conclusion."

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