From Staff Reports 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., apologized on Sept. 1 on the House floor to his wife and two former female staffers for putting them in an uncomfortable position. 

However, he fiercely denied allegations of sexual harassment, maintaining that his actions reflected misplaced affection and poor judgment rather than misconduct.

In a letter dated Aug 25 that he sent to his House colleagues befrore the vote, Edwards asked them to distinguish between unconventional conduct and sexual harassment.

“An affectionate friendship is not a sexual proposition. A gift is not sexual misconduct,” he wrote. “A compliment is not sexual misconduct. Poetry is not sexual misconduct.”

The House subsequently voted 413–2 to censure him.

Following are details of Edwards’ floor apology and defense

• Apology to staffers: He stated he was sorry his actions, judgment, or expressions of friendship placed the two women in uncomfortable positions. 

• Apology to family: He expressed regret on the House floor for the public scrutiny and embarrassment caused to his wife and family.

• Denial of misconduct: He maintained that “generosity is not sexual harassment” and argued that his actions were misconstrued, stating that regret does not equal an admission of guilt.