October 28, 2019 | 2:03pm | Updated October 28, 2019 | 3:50pm
Democratic Rep. Katie Hill on Monday decried revenge porn as “one of the worst things” that can be done to someone — after compromising photos surfaced of her in her explosive sex scandal.
In a fiery new video, the California congresswoman said that she will take up a fight against such online attacks in the wake of her resignation from office over alleged trysts with staffers.
“I am going to continue to fight for our democracy, for representation, for justice and equality and making the world a better place,” she said. “And I will also take up a new fight. I will fight to ensure that no one else has to live through what I just experienced.
“Some people call this electronic assault, digital exploitation, others call it revenge porn. As the victim of it, I call it one of the worst things we can do to our sisters and our daughters.”
Hill blamed her decision to resign on her estranged husband, Kenny Heslep, and “hateful” political operatives who she claims launched a “smear campaign.”
“I’m hurt. I’m angry. The path I saw so clearly for myself is no longer there,” Hill said.
In the four-minute video, the freshman representative apologized for her “imperfections.”
“I never claimed to be perfect, but I never thought my imperfections would be weaponized to destroy me and the community that I have loved my entire life,” she said. “For that, I am so sorry.”
Hill had been under fire for engaging in a “throuple” with a campaign staffer, Morgan Desjardins and her estranged husband. She also was being investigated by the House Ethics Committee over allegations that she carried on sexual relationship with her current legislative director, Graham Kelly.
She fessed up to carrying on the unconventional relationship — but has denied the charge that she was involved with Kelly.
Her sex-life saga was first reported by the conservative outlet RedState, but calls for her resignation continued to mount after scandalous pics were published in the Daily Mail. Photos showed the congresswoman with a bong and what appears to be an Iron Cross tattoo.
“This coordinated campaign carried by the right-wing media and Republican opponents enabling and perpetuating my husband’s abuse by providing him a platform is disgusting and unforgivable and they will be held accountable,” Hill said.
Hill vowed to get back “in the saddle” following her career-ending scandal.
“I grew up riding horses and one of the most important things I learned was that when you fall off, you have to get right back up in the saddle,” Hill said. “So I’m going to do that I hope you can do the same and join me on the next ride.”