"There's no excuse for what I've done. I'm embarrassed and ashamed," he said. "No one deserves to be treated that way. I've apologized to the people I've hurt and will continue to do so because I am truly sorry."

Bullock told The Gazette that he had also redoubled his efforts to learn if there were problems with O'Brien in Montana.

"What I have read is inconsistent with the behavior I knew," Bullock said. "I asked all my senior staff if they had seen or heard anything inappropriate and they said no they hadn't."

Going forward, Bullock said that leaders need to do more to prevent this behavior.

"We have to make sure that men who sexually harass are not put in a position to do it again," Bullock said.

On Saturday morning, Bullock released a statement which appeared to largely repeat what he said in an interview with The Gazette.

"I should have done more to ensure future employers would learn of his behavior. I also know these realizations come too late for the two women in New York City," Bullock said. "For that, I’m deeply sorry.

"Men who sexually harass and assault others are too often repeat offenders, and those of us who are made aware of credible allegations have a responsibility to make sure those men aren’t in a position to do so again."

The Associated Press contributed reporting to this story

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