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Michael Laws Columns

Michael Laws public statement

By Michael Laws

One of the hardest things to do in life is to admit that you are wrong.

That you have done things that are muddle-headed and misguided and have brought hurt and pain to those that you like and love.

An incident from my private life is about to become public.

At the very end of last year I separated from my partner and mother of my three youngest children. This has been a very trying, emotional and painful experience for us both.

For the past eight months I have been a single man.

And, to be perfectly honest, somewhat rudderless. It has been difficult for me to adjust to being single and living alone, to not caring for my children every day, and to not being in a loving and supportive relationship.

I have attempted to discharge my public duties – my mayoralty and media responsibilities – as best I can and they, and especially my children, have been my primary focus.

In June of this year I met someone in Auckland and, quite unexpectedly, entered a physical relationship. This lady had life experiences that were completely different to my own. I was intoxicated by such an unusual background and flattered by her attentions.

We met only twice. We have shared texts and messages of an intimate nature connected to the physical attraction that seemed to exist between us.

I was not involved in any other relationship during this time.

I have been informed that details of texts and messages between this lady and myself have been made public.

Because I am a public figure, details of my intimate private life are considered fair game by some.

I have made a mistake. As a single man I entered a relationship that was unwise. I did not seek to cause distress, but I have.

I particularly wish to apologise to my family. They are affected by my actions and I have been foolish in my private life.

I also wish to apologise to those who have been the subject of gossip. They are being singled out because of their association with me. They do not deserve such attention or scorn.

I am not a saint. I make mistakes. However my private life is irrelevant to my public duties.

My intent has never been to hurt nor upset anyone but this is a situation I deeply regret and for which I am genuinely sorry.

I will not be making any further comment on this matter.

Click here to listen to Michael Laws explain to Willie & JT.

Click here to read more at 3news.co.nz.

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By mysOvZoWum

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(0) (0)

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By Dave

Interesting if only because there is a mismatch between the way Michael judges others and speaks to them, and how that is consistent with what he does himself.

(2) (1)

By Dave

Debbie and I think Laws is psychologically unbalanced, racist, opinionated and inconsistent. But his private life is his business, not ours.

(3) (1)

By Gerard

Michael; you might feel in hind sight that it was stupid, but you are the one to judge that in this case. Anybody else outside your immediate family circle has no right to speak. I have once been left on my own to care for and look after 5 children between 7 and 12. I think I know how it feels and If you think you have been stupid, then think again. Nobodies business! Prefer you as a role model above 90% of our parliamentarians.

(3) (0)

By Richard Safey

There is nothing wrong with what Michael has done. What he does out of the public eye is up to him. The media take the story out of proportion. Michael, you are an outstanding broadcaster, Mayor and a perfect father. Keep up the great work.

(1) (2)

By Louise

As a result of this most recent outburst regarding your private live (which I incidently believe is nobody's business but yours) - I do hope that you will refrain from calling misguided callers "stupid" "idiot", etc. As you yourself have proved to be just that.

(6) (1)

By Judy Azzarelli

Michael you have done nothing wrong. You have nothing to apologise for. Dont let this stop you from experiencing life to the fullest

(4) (2)

By Maureen

Michael Hang on to the good things you have done in your mayoral role ,as a talk back host,and most importantly as a great dad.Everyone makes mistakes and I beleive things are sent to us for a reason.
You have brought a lot of joy to a lot of people around NZ so hang on to that.
Infatuation is a strange thing and sometimes we just dont understand why what or how!!!!!!

(4) (1)

By Lisa Lewis

I am confused: They texted dirty texts. Had sex. Texted more dirty texts. Fell out - but why? And since when is having sex and text-sex bad behaviour? If it is – damn I better clear the schedule for a week at Cathedral for confession...

(3) (0)

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