Adam Giambrone took to the podium at City Hall to address the media on Wednesday morning, but abruptly left after making a brief apology for his 'inappropriate affairs' with other women. Apparently, he couldn't bring himself to utter the words that his executive assistant nervously shared with media throngs moments after Giambrone stormed away ---he's dropping out of the mayoral race.
"There are weeks that change your life, and this one has dramatically
changed mine," he began. "This searing experience has taught me, I hope
permanently, that a public career of integrity cannot survive deceit in
your private life.
“I humbly apologize to my fellow councillors for the negative attention I gave them....(I apologize) to the community and to the young people who believed in me.” he said with a shaky voice. "Finally, I deeply apologize my partner Sarah.”
But just as soon as his words spilled out, he was gone, rushing off and leaving the hardest part of his statement to Exec., Assistant Kevin Beaulieu, who confirmed that his brief and stormy run for the top job at City Hall was over.
"His mayoralty campaign ends today," Beaulieu revealed. "Beginning next week, he will return to his normal duties as city councilor. He will focus, with renewed energy on the transformation of the TTC and on building Transit City for the people of Toronto. Adam would like to thank all his friends and supporters who have helped him through these painful days."
The dramatic downfall began when Giambrone revealed he had several “intimate" relationships last year with women other than his longtime live-in partner Sarah McQuarrie.
The 32-year-old TTC Chair and mayoral candidate made the confession to the Toronto Star Tuesday night – hours after the paper published a report featuring 20-year-old Kristen Lucas (pictured below), who claimed she and Giambrone had a year-long sexual relationship.
The university student provided a number of sexy text messages Giambrone apparently sent to her, which included an admission that his longtime partner was only in his life for political reasons.
Lucas also claimed she and Giambrone once had late-night sex on the couch in his City Hall office and that he told her a TTC fare hike was going to happen months before the public heard about the idea.
Giambrone initially claimed his relationship with Lucas consisted of text messages and public meetings only. He changed his tune following the media frenzy sparked by the news of his affair and he contacted the paper again Tuesday night to read a new and prepared statement in which he admitted he had several intimate relationships over the last year.
Listen to Giambrone's confession
On Tuesday, the candidate’s campaign chair, John Laschinger, said Giambrone had no intention of bowing out of the race for the mayor’s seat. The Star reported Wednesday that he wouldn’t comment on his political future.
Some of Giambrone’s colleagues at City Hall have suggested he should step down from his post as TTC Chair in light of these developments, but as of now it appears that he will continue on with his duties in that capacity.
Giambrone's Statement Wednesday:
Good Morning
Thank you for coming today.
There are weeks that change your life, and this one has dramatically changed mine. This searing experience has taught me, I hope permanently, that a public career of integrity cannot survive deceit in your private life.
My mistakes have caused hurt to my partner Sarah, to my family, my friends and supporters. To them - and to the women I treated disrespectfully - in front of you, I humbly apologize.
I want to apologize as a councillor, to my fellow councillors, for the negative attention I have brought upon them and to this chamber.
I want to apologize also to the communities across this city and to the young people who believed in me. It is my sincere hope that they continue to believe in themselves and their own abilities to make positive change.
Finally, I deeply apologize to my partner Sarah. The pain she endured for my mistakes was deeply unfair to her. She has shown a lot of strength in all of this which has only deepened my respect and admiration for her.
I said at the beginning of this campaign that I would listen and lead. I know I will hear from many in the city, and I will reflect on their counsel with care.
I will spend the next few days in private. My mayoralty campaign ends today. Beginning next week I will return to my normal duties as a councillor.
I will focus with renewed energy on the transformation of the TTC and on building Transit City for the people of Toronto.
Thank you to all my friends and supporters who helped us through these painful days.
The following is being issued on behalf of the Mayor's office.
Mayor David Miller issued the following statement today from Ottawa where he was the key note speaker at the FCM Sustainable cities conference.
"Councillor Giambrone's decision to leave the mayoralty race is regrettable. His voice and the vision he could have brought to this important campaign will be missed but his decision to focus on his private life and his current duties is understandable."
There will be no further comment on this matter.