Joe Barton apologizes for leaked nude photo

Texas Congressman Joe Barton has apologized for a leaked nude photo of him that is currently circulating online but says he no plans to resign over it.

The Republican acknowledged the sexually explicit photo in a statement on Wednesday saying it was taken in recent years when he was separated from his second wife.

‘While separated from my second wife, prior to the divorce, I had sexual relationships with other mature adult women. Each was consensual. Those relationships have ended,’ he said in a statement. 

‘I am sorry I did not use better judgment during those days. I am sorry that I let my constituents down.’

The nude photo surfaced this week when a Twitter user named Parker21333 posted it online and censored the image by covering Barton’s penis. 

The user also posted a screenshot of a graphic text message Barton had sent that read: ‘I want u soo bad. Right now.’

The person also claims to have footage of Barton masturbating. 

It is not clear if Parker21333 is the person who received the text messages from Barton, but the person claims they are being ‘harassed’ by the congressman. 

The Republican acknowledged the sexually explicit photo and graphic texts in a statement on Wednesday saying it occurred when he was separated from his second wife 

His spokesman said Barton has no plans to resign over the leaked photo. 

Barton, who only announced his re-election bid earlier this month, told the Texas Tribune he was now deliberating it.

‘You’re as aware of what was posted as I am,’ he said. 

‘I am talking to a number of people, all of whom I have faith in and am deciding how to respond, quite frankly.’ 

Barton joined the House in 1985 and is currently the longest serving Congressman from Texas.