Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Alaska mayor admits to ‘inappropriate relationship’ with news anchor reporting an exposé on him

An FBI investigation found no evidence of criminal conduct from Mayor Ethan Berkowitz

Madeline Roth
Tuesday 13 October 2020 20:49 BST
Comments
Anchorage mayor Ethan Berkowitz has apologized for a years-old “inappropriate” relationship with a local news anchor who made bizarre allegations against him.
Anchorage mayor Ethan Berkowitz has apologized for a years-old “inappropriate” relationship with a local news anchor who made bizarre allegations against him. (AFP via Getty Images)
Leer en Español

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The mayor of Anchorage, Alaska has apologized for what he called a "consensual, inappropriate messaging relationship" with a local TV news anchor.

Mayor Ethan Berkowitz, 58, wrote in a statement Monday, "I apologize to the people of Anchorage for a major lapse in judgment I made several years ago when I had a consensual, inappropriate messaging relationship with reporter Maria Athens. I'm embarrassed and ashamed for the hurt I've caused my family and our community. I take responsibility for my actions."

Mr Berkowitz's apology came after Ms Athens, 41, lodged a series of unsubstantiated allegations against him. Last Friday, Ms Athens posted a video to her professional Facebook page alleging that Mr Berkowitz, who is married, posted an illicit photo of himself to "an underage girls website." She claimed the accusations stemmed from "reliable sources" and said several local news outlets would be reporting on the story.

That afternoon, Mr Berkowitz issued a statement in which he called the claims "slanderous" and "categorically false." He said the allegations "appear to be the product of someone who is hostile and unwell." The news station Ms Athens worked for also rejected her claims.

Shortly after the mayor's statement was issued, Ms Athens retaliated by posting an unsourced nude photo of a man's backside, which she claimed was Mr Berkowitz.

A subsequent investigation by Anchorage police and the FBI into Ms Athens' allegations found "no evidence of criminal conduct," according to the Anchorage Daily News.

Meanwhile, Ms Athens was arrested at work on Friday for punching the station manager, whom she was also romantically involved with, according to court documents cited by the Anchorage Daily News.

Ms Athens was charged with misdemeanor assault, criminal mischief, and disorderly conduct. She is reportedly out on bail.

In his statement Monday, Mr Berkowitz, who is in his last term as mayor and not up for reelection, vowed to do better by his constituents.

“It takes time to rebuild trust and I hope you afford me the opportunity to do so,” he said. "During the remaining months of my term, I will continue working on the important issues we face. Please consider my family's privacy during this difficult time."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in