dwuRep. David Wu (D-Ore.) for the first time Tuesday publicly addressed recent reports of his questionable behavior and confirmed he is receiving professional mental help.
"Last October was not a good month. It was very stressful. I did some things, I said some things which I sincerely regret now. And as a result of those things I saw fit to consult professional help," Wu told ABC Good Morning America host George Stephanopoulos. "I got the help I needed then. I'm continuing to consult medical help as I need it."
Wu confirmed he is receiving both counseling and medication.
Wu went public with his struggle following a report Friday by The Oregonian indicating that staffers staged an intervention prior to Wu's re-election Nov. 2 to have him admitted to a hospital for psychiatric treatment. Wu did not confirm that element of the story, saying, "I don't know what they were seeking," but he confirmed conversations did take place with his staff.
The Oregonian reported last month that Wu lost six staffers between Nov. 2 and mid-January, amid reports he gave an angry speech to Democrats that resulted in an official complaint and used his status as a congressman to campaign among off-loading passengers at an airport (which also resulted in a complaint.)
New reports say staffers grew gravely concerned after receiving early-morning emails from Wu's official House email account purportedly signed by Wu's children in their voice. One sent just before Halloween included a photo of Wu wearing a tiger costume.
Wu confirmed Tuesday he did send the tiger photo. He called his actions "unprofessional" and "inappropriate."
You can watch the interview below, courtesy of ABC News:
Staffers continue to leave Wu's office. Treasurer Lesley Bennett announced her departure this week and in a highly unusual move, Wu said he personally will fill her position. Wu downplayed his decision to serve as treasurer Tuesday saying his role is temporary until a permanent replacement can be found.
Wu, who faced a tough re-election race last year, also alluded to the stress of his personal life during Tuesday's interview, noting that he's been raising his two children "basically" on his own. Wu disclosed last July that he had stopped drinking. He was legally separated from his wife the following month. Wu's father died in late November 2010 and Wu said Tuesday he has been caring for his mother.
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