Conservative MP Tony Clement apologizes for ‘sexually explicit images and video’

OTTAWA (NEWS 1130) – Conservative MP Tony Clement is apologizing to his family and colleagues for sharing sexually explicit images and a video of himself to someone he believed was a consenting woman.

In a statement sent out Tuesday afternoon, Clement says the recipient turned out to be a person, or group of people, who targeted him for the “purpose of financial extortion.”

He writes that he has resigned from his House of Commons committee assignments and has also stepped down from his role was Conservative Shadow Minister for Justice.

The MP for Parry Sound-Muskoka goes on to say that he wants to focus on his personal life and family. “I recognize now that I have gone down a wrong path and have exercised very poor judgment,” he writes.

“First and foremost, I apologize to my family for the needless pain and humiliation my actions have caused. I also apologize to my colleagues and my constituents for letting them down.”

He goes on to say that he is committed to seeking help and treatment to make sure it won’t happen again.

Clement says RCMP are currently investigating. In an email to NEWS 1130’s Cormac Mac Sweeny, RCMP confirm they have received the information from the complainant and that the matter is being investigated.

Meanwhile, Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer says he has accepted Clement’s resignation as Shadow Minister and his various committee roles.

“While I’m greatly disappointed with Mr. Clement’s actions, I am encouraged that he decided to seek help and I wish him all the best in doing so,” Scheer wrote in a statement.

Conservative Deputy Leader and MP for Milton Lisa Raitt will assume the role of Shadow Minister for Justice effective immediately, Scheer added.