Your tip
RadarOnlineRadarOnline
BREAKING NEWS

General David Petraeus Breaks His Silence On Sex Scandal

//david petraeus silence wenn

Nov. 15 2012, Published 9:35 a.m. ET

Link to FacebookShare to XShare to Email

By RadarOnline.com Staff

Disgraced U.S. Gen. David Petraeus broke his silence in a chat with HLN’s Kyra Phillips Thursday, and the journalist recapped the chat in a phone interview with HLN's Morning Express Thursday to give a glimpse into the embattled leader's thoughts during the personal and professional crisis.

Petraeus, 60, quit as CIA director last week, citing his extramarital affair with Paula Broadwell, the 40-year-old beauty who wrote his biography.

Article continues below advertisement

Phillips said the main points she culled from the discussion was that Petraeus never passed classified information on to Paula Broadwell," and that his resignation had nothing to do with his reluctance to testify about September's attack Benghazi, Libya that left four Americans dead.

Phillips said Petraeus was contrite about the affair, so "he sought to do the honorable thing in response and that was to come forward" and admit to the infidelity.

"He was very clear that he screwed up terribly - it was all his fault - even that he felt fortunate to have a wife who is far better than he deserves," Phillips said. "Obviously, he's taking it really hard. He knows he made a big mistake. He does want to move forward making things work with his family.

"He doesn't want to throw 37 years out the window with his wife."

Phillips said the story won't be complete until Broadwell - whom she's heard "is an aggressive woman … who works her magic" - gives her statement on the situation.

Article continues below advertisement

"Not taking Petraeus off the hook at all, but there are two people, obviously, in this situation," Phillips said. "He is saying it’s all his fault. But it’s important to see that there is another person involved. And we hope to hear from her as well, and her side."

Petraeus insisted he never allowed his mistress Broadwell to see, or have access to, any top secret info, Phillips said, adding she fully believes him based on his pre-scandal history.

MORE ON:
sex

"As long as I have known him, he has never wavered on classified information, ever," Phillips said. "And to the best of my knowledge, you know, that has always been sacrosanct."

Phillips said Petraeus hasn't spoken with Broadwell "since the story broke," and was fully comfortable with his decision to step down from the CIA in the wake of the cheating scandal.

"It became very clear to me that he knew he was at fault," she said. "He could not maintain that position. And he never tried to convince his boss he should stay …

Article continues below advertisement

"He was the head of the CIA … you're in charge of classified information of the most secret things in this country and across the world. And you have to be an individual that is upstanding, that has ethics, that is honest in every part of your life.

"And I think that he knew he could not continue in that position after what he had done."

RELATED STORIES:

First Monica Lewinsky & John Edwards' Teams, Now Casey Anthony PI Getting Involved In David Petraeus Sex Scandal

Advertisement

DAILY. BREAKING. CELEBRITY NEWS. ALL FREE.

Opt-out of personalized ads

© Copyright 2024 Radar Media Group LLC. RADAR and RADARONLINE are registered trademarks. All rights reserved. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy and Cookies Policy. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services. Offers may be subject to change without notice.