FLORIDA (WTXL) - The Florida Democratic Party's chairman has stepped down amid accusations of harassing behavior towards several women.
Former FDP chairman Stephen Bittel announced his resignation on Twitter Friday afternoon:
According to a POLITICO report, the accusations came from six former FDP staffers and consultants. The claims detailed that while Bittel never assaulted them, they say his "creepy" behavior towards them created an uncomfortable work environment.
The woman allege, according to the report, he would make inappropriate comments, invited women to his hotel room, and even kept a "breast-shaped stress squeeze-ball" on his desk.
The POLITICO report says that Bittel apologized in a written statement. You can view that apology here.
His resignation comes after several members of his party called on him to leave. Tallahassee mayor Andrew Gillum was one of those members calling on Bittel to step down:
“Stephen Bittel must step down as FDP Chair. These courageous women came forward with disturbing stories of harassment, and it’s our duty to stand in the gap for them and others in these situations. Although these allegations are not criminal, they clearly paint a picture of a hostile working environment for women. We must actively work to shift the power dynamics in which men have deluded themselves into thinking they have control of women. We must work to create an environment where women know they are not alone and feel comfortable to come forward.”
Gillum was quick to respond to the news of Bittel's official resignation as well saying in part, "I am glad Stephen Bittel resigned - there was no alternative. The FDP must move forward quickly to rebuild their culture and create an inclusive, safe work environment.”
Gillum was not the only gubernatorial candidate to call for Bittel to step down.
Gwen Graham, just two hours before Bittel's announcement, posted on Twitter that she called him to tell him he should step down:
Fellow Democratic candidate Philip Levine also weighed in saying that, "I have zero tolerance for harassment in politics or the workplace. It’s time to change the culture and it must start at the top. I hope Chairman Bittel does the right thing and steps down as Chairman. No individual should feel less than safe and comfortable in their workplace."
