Filner resigns as San Diego mayor effective Aug. 30

Bob Filner signed a resignation letter and agreed to leave on Aug. 30. The San Diego City Council approved a deal with Filner this afternoon. Amazingly, Filner again denied that he has ever committed sexual harassment and blamed his troubles on the media and his political enemies. From U-T San Diego:

In a dramatic appearance before the council, Filner was both apologetic yet defiant, lashing out against a "lynch-mob mentality."

"For my part in causing all of this, I offer a deep apology certainly to all the citizens of San Diego," he said after the vote.

He added: "To all the women I offended, I had no intention to be offensive."

But he questioned the claims against him.

"Not one allegation has ever been independently verified or proven in court," he said. "I have never sexually harassed anyone."

He criticized the "media and their political agents" and said he "played into the hand" of those who wanted a "political coup."

He said he "provided ammunition for that."

Photo: U-T screen grab