Story highlights "I am truly sorry, and I accept full responsibility," Bentley said

He maintained that the relationship never got physical

Washington (CNN) Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley denied at a news conference Wednesday that he and a top aide had a sexual affair after explicit recordings of him became public.

Bentley did not deny the legitimacy of the recordings or that it was his voice but told the press that they were made two years ago and, since then, he has made apologies to his family and that of the aide, Rebekah Mason, a former spokeswoman and policy adviser.

"I am truly sorry, and I accept full responsibility," said Bentley, a Republican serving in his second term. "Today, I want to apologize to the people of Alabama."

But throughout the news conference, he maintained that the relationship never got physical.

"I want everyone to know, though, that I have never had a physical affair with Mrs. Mason," Bentley said.

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