In light of recent events, I feel like it's become necessary to get this off my chest now before it takes on a life of its own.

Back in my high school days, over 20 years ago, I once attended a Halloween dance dressed as a girl. I don't know whether there are any pictures of this out there, but I feel I should get ahead of this now so I can put it behind me and continue to pursue my career and political goals without this hanging over me like a ticking bomb that could go off at any time.

I never meant any disrespect for girls and it didn't come from a place of hatred or belittlement of women.

I sincerely apologize if any girls were offended, both then or now, by this and deeply regret having made the decision to do it.

I only hope that I can move forward from this with people understanding that I have nothing but respect and admiration for women and have never felt that they were lesser people or deserving of ridicule.

Please forgive me. I wish I hadn't done it but I cannot change the past. I can only move forward from here hoping that people will judge me for the character they know me to have and not view me in a lesser light due to the mistakes of my youth.