Trevor Mallard has apologised for comments he made last year claiming a rapist was working in parliament. But he sneakily waited until after the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Christchurch massacre had delivered their report.
He made the remarks on RNZ shortly after the release of a report which revealed frequent bullying and harassment at Parliament.
Mallard later told reporters a staffer had been stood down and a “threat to the safety of women” removed.
In a statement released today, Mallard said it was “incorrect” of him to give the impression the man had been accused of rape “as that term is defined in the Crimes Act 1961″.
Mallard had provided a personal apology to the man for the “distress and humiliation” caused to the worker and his family, the statement said.
“Both parties consider this matter is now closed and no further comment will be made.”
The staffer launched legal action against Mallard this year, claiming he had been defamed.
Radio New Zealand
So, under threat of a defamation action Mallard has apologised, finally.
The sneaky manner in which he buried his apology on a big news day shows just precisely how much of a gutless weasel he is.
Meaningless apologies are becoming a bit of a habit with the Government.