The San Diego City Council accepted Mayor Bob Filner's resignation Friday afternoon, ending weeks of turmoil over his alleged sexual harassment of several women. He will leave office Aug. 30 at 5 p.m.
The council announced that it had voted, 7-0, in closed session to accept the resignation, which includes settlement of a lawsuit filed by one of his former top aides.
Moments after Filner spoke, the California attorney general's office confirmed that it is conducting a criminal investigation of his actions, assisted by the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, the Associated Press reported.
In his speech, Filner apologized for "letting the city down," saying, "My own personal failings were responsible."
He also "sincerely apologized" to "all the women I offended," telling them, "I had no intention to be offensive, to violate any physical or emotional space.
"I was trying to establish personal relationships but the combination of awkwardness and hubris led to behavior that I think many found offensive," he said.
At least 17 women have accused him of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior, including groping, unwanted kissing and suggestive comments. .
But the 70-year-old Filner remained defiant. "I've never sexually harassed anyone," Filner said, blaming a "lynch mob" -- the media and political opponents -- for his departure. He argued he "would be vindicated" if he had been given "due process."
Shortly after Filner spoke,
The council heard from angry citizens and Filner supporters before going into a scheduled closed session to vote on the agreement. The deal was reached this week after mediation sessions involving Filner, his lawyers, city representatives and attorney Gloria Allred, the lawyer for Irene McCormack Jackson, the mayor's ex-
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