Australian Liberal MP Gareth Ward has refused to name the website he used to order a masseur which landed him in an extortion attempt in New York this week.
But Mr Ward said CCTV footage will clear him of any ‘special massage’ allegations.
Mr Ward, who represents Kiama, south of Sydney, told Daily Mail Australia he was staying at the Intercontinental Hotel near Broadway on Tuesday night when he allegedly called for what he believed was a masseur.
Australian politician Gareth Ward has denied he requested a ‘special massage’ while staying at a hotel in New York this week (pictured left with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian)
But what was supposed to be a moment of holiday relaxation, turned into a ‘terrifying’ blackmail attempt, he said.
‘Look I contacted someone who I thought was a masseur and when he came to my hotel – he brought a friend – it became clear they wanted more. I made it clear that was not what I wanted and asked them to leave,’ the legally blind 37-year-old said.
‘They became aggressive and pulled out their phones and began recording and demanding money.’
Mr Ward said he told the men he would get them the money and took the lift to the lobby, where he told the clerk while the pair ‘bolted.’
‘I was terrified, absolutely terrified.’
Mr Ward said he reported the incident to police, who are now investigating.
Mr Ward said he reported the incident to police, who are now investigating. Above, a standard room at the Intercontinental Hotel
Mr Ward, who represents Kiama, south of Sydney, told Daily Mail Australia he was staying at the Intercontinental Hotel near Broadway on Tuesday night when he allegedly called for what he believed was a masseur
But what was supposed to be a moment of holiday relaxation, turned into a ‘terrifying’ blackmail attempt, he said (Mr Ward is pictured right)
It is believed the men asked for $1,000 in cash, according to the New York Daily News.
The New South Wales politician is believed to have told police he is afraid a scandal could hurt his chances in the next election, sources said.
Mr Ward reportedly checked out of the hotel on Wednesday.
He has said a number of times that he ‘didn’t do anything wrong.
‘I’m just trying to hold it together, to be honest. I haven’t done anything wrong. I was the victim of a crime. I know how it looks. It just wasn’t the case,’ he told The Daily Telegraph.
Mr Ward (pictured) said when it became clear the men wanted more than a massage, he told them he wasn’t interested
Mr Ward (pictured) said the men became aggressive and demanded money