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Jose Garcia

(2,552 posts)
Thu Oct 24, 2019, 10:07 AM Oct 2019

Rep. Katie Hill admits to relationship with campaign staffer amid ethics probe

Source: The Hill

Rep. Katie Hill (D-Calif.) late Wednesday admitted to an "inappropriate" relationship with a campaign aide as she faces a House investigation over allegations of being romantically involved with a congressional staffer.

Hill said in a letter to constituents that she hopes she can "put to rest some of the gossip, innuendo and lies," adding that she engaged in the relationship with a campaign aide "despite my better judgement."

"During the final tumultuous years of my abusive marriage, I became involved in a relationship with someone on my campaign," she wrote. "I know that even a consensual relationship with a subordinate is inappropriate, but I still allowed it to happen against my better judgement. For that I apologize."

Read more: https://www.google.com/amp/s/thehill.com/homenews/house/467229-rep-katie-hill-admits-to-relationship-with-campaign-staffer-amid-ethics-probe%3famp

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Rep. Katie Hill admits to relationship with campaign staffer amid ethics probe (Original Post) Jose Garcia Oct 2019 OP
good grief evertonfc Oct 2019 #1
It's not anyone elses business if it's consensual and no campaign funds were used. brush Oct 2019 #11
Nonsense djg21 Oct 2019 #47
Failure in my jdgement? Do you know the details whether it was consenual or not? brush Oct 2019 #66
Don't do it in the workplace with a subordinate. djg21 Oct 2019 #69
That ain't how our sexual harassment training went. OneCrazyDiamond Oct 2019 #50
I guess that's why she denied it so firmly ToxMarz Oct 2019 #56
Unless they used campaign funds to facilitate the affair, I just don't care. Merlot Oct 2019 #2
If it was a GOPer we would care! Nt USALiberal Oct 2019 #7
Nope, still wouldn't care. Merlot Oct 2019 #10
I would care gopiscrap Oct 2019 #31
I wouldn't be so sure about that. Sapient Donkey Oct 2019 #15
Nope, still wouldn't, not if consensual obamanut2012 Oct 2019 #16
Nope, wouldn't care docgee Oct 2019 #22
Nope wouldn't care. Just like we didn't care about Newt Gingrich's affair ... aggiesal Oct 2019 #26
Is this a serious statement? Pachamama Oct 2019 #28
Not me. Codeine Oct 2019 #37
Ahh I see some fairness creeping out! oldsoftie Oct 2019 #64
Yep, I'm immune and shameless for the next 20 years to anything dems do. ffr Oct 2019 #38
I don't give two shits less about any politician schtupping their staff titaniumsalute Oct 2019 #3
Perfect summation! /nt flibbitygiblets Oct 2019 #25
Well, duncan hunter JR. conducted multiple affairs not fooled Oct 2019 #4
+1 dalton99a Oct 2019 #34
In other words, it sounds like she's human. CaptainTruth Oct 2019 #5
They are both adults, and it was consensual vlyons Oct 2019 #6
Because it's a subordinate knightmaar Oct 2019 #9
The aid was a female. nt chowder66 Oct 2019 #18
Yeah, "Graham Kelly" is male. knightmaar Oct 2019 #21
She has denied having any relationship with Graham Kelly chowder66 Oct 2019 #32
Oh, okay. Thanks. knightmaar Oct 2019 #52
well said, but what should/will the consequences be? cadoman Oct 2019 #58
welcome to DU gopiscrap Oct 2019 #68
It's not an affair BlueIdaho Oct 2019 #8
Dating subordinates is inappropriate Bradical79 Oct 2019 #19
No doubt, none of us are bias free. BlueIdaho Oct 2019 #41
Yeah, by comparison, Republicans are far worse Bradical79 Oct 2019 #54
We say that on the one hand Sgent Oct 2019 #67
As Mulvaney said........ GET OVER IT... nothing here......move along mitch96 Oct 2019 #12
I don't get it ritapria Oct 2019 #13
Sometimes it's hard to resist Polybius Oct 2019 #51
She's toast kimbutgar Oct 2019 #14
Trump cheated on all three of his wives. Now the GOP cares about adultery? SunSeeker Oct 2019 #42
And that's something she should hammer republicans on too. OnDoutside Oct 2019 #61
I really don't care but she did break the rule jgmiller Oct 2019 #17
The district doesn't have to flip red. Jose Garcia Oct 2019 #20
The real question should be.... " Did She?", Or "Didn't She, Give the Staffer a... "Blow Job"??? Stuart G Oct 2019 #23
Did you get a bulk deal on ellipses Codeine Oct 2019 #39
Yes, I got an unlimited supply of ellipses. Bulk Deal of course................... Stuart G Oct 2019 #40
Ellipses are not a replacement for correct punctuation. SunSeeker Oct 2019 #43
Yes. Commas, periods. colons: semicolons; I will try, but I am aged. Stuart G Oct 2019 #44
I use that excuse a lot as well. LanternWaste Oct 2019 #57
LOL. I hear ya. SunSeeker Oct 2019 #63
IMO ellipses are perfectly acceptable, they emulate the natural pauses in an actual conversation BamaRefugee Oct 2019 #48
There are many aspects to this story amcgrath Oct 2019 #24
You're Confused DarthDem Oct 2019 #27
? amcgrath Oct 2019 #59
If they wanted to stay together... Mike Nelson Oct 2019 #29
Unless and until she's convicted of a crime, I don't care. dalton99a Oct 2019 #30
I keep reading that we shouldn't care if the relationship was consenual, ... aggiesal Oct 2019 #33
Uh,oh. This reminds me of Woody Allen's infamous line: CTyankee Oct 2019 #35
The NY Post says that she had a "throuple" with her "abusive" ex... TreasonousBastard Oct 2019 #36
"Throuple" Codeine Oct 2019 #45
Me too, but looked it up and it's getting out there. TreasonousBastard Oct 2019 #49
Is it illegal to have a relationship with a staffer? Polybius Oct 2019 #46
That's how I feel about it. It's a private matter and they were consenting adults. Texin Oct 2019 #55
It wasn't a staffer, so unlikely any ethics violation was committed. SunSeeker Oct 2019 #72
All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone! IcyPeas Oct 2019 #53
Compare this to the RETHUGS life style and it's bluestarone Oct 2019 #60
If she resigns in this purple district and we don't have a strong candidate... Tiggeroshii Oct 2019 #62
Looks like she's got an Iron Cross tattoo as well inwiththenew Oct 2019 #65
Yawn DeminPennswoods Oct 2019 #70
Don't care orangecrush Oct 2019 #71
It wasn't a staffer, so unlikely any ethics violation was committed. SunSeeker Oct 2019 #73
The only crime here is the stealing and leaking of the photos... SKKY Oct 2019 #74
No one has accused her of breaking any laws. Jose Garcia Oct 2019 #75
Which makes it even more confusing as to why she is resigning... SKKY Oct 2019 #76
She was accused of breaking House ethics rules Jose Garcia Oct 2019 #77
 

evertonfc

(1,713 posts)
1. good grief
Thu Oct 24, 2019, 10:20 AM
Oct 2019

I could care less but why do some politicians have the inability to not do stupid shit while serving. Is it compulsive issues? Do they think they can get away with it in 2019? Again, I don't care but very bad decision making this damn early in carree

brush

(53,475 posts)
11. It's not anyone elses business if it's consensual and no campaign funds were used.
Thu Oct 24, 2019, 10:44 AM
Oct 2019

People have relationships. That's not a news flash.

 

djg21

(1,803 posts)
47. Nonsense
Thu Oct 24, 2019, 12:45 PM
Oct 2019

She had a relationship with a subordinate at a workplace. How can you say it’s clearly consensual given the disparity in power held by the two. Utterly inappropriate and indicative of a complete failure in judgement.

brush

(53,475 posts)
66. Failure in my jdgement? Do you know the details whether it was consenual or not?
Thu Oct 24, 2019, 04:48 PM
Oct 2019

People sometimes fall in love.

 

djg21

(1,803 posts)
69. Don't do it in the workplace with a subordinate.
Thu Oct 24, 2019, 09:38 PM
Oct 2019

That’s just a disaster waiting to happen, and virtually guarantees a Title VII lawsuit when things go south with the relationship. It’s very bad judgment, and disqualifying in my opinion.

OneCrazyDiamond

(2,029 posts)
50. That ain't how our sexual harassment training went.
Thu Oct 24, 2019, 12:52 PM
Oct 2019

If the parties are supervisor/subordinate, and consented, it is still inappropriate.

Sapient Donkey

(1,568 posts)
15. I wouldn't be so sure about that.
Thu Oct 24, 2019, 10:56 AM
Oct 2019

There are some of us who truly don't care about this sort of stuff unless there is very clear and explicit evidence that harm or illegal activities were done as a result.

While there may some people who say "don't care about this" who would care if this was republican or even a male of any political party, but I wouldn't assume everyone falls into that category.

docgee

(870 posts)
22. Nope, wouldn't care
Thu Oct 24, 2019, 11:24 AM
Oct 2019

Not if it's consensual. However you think the GOP would care considering their (ahem) moral (ahem bullshit) stance on everything. But they wouldn't either. Well only if the staffer was another woman, then maybe their homophobia might get to them.

aggiesal

(8,864 posts)
26. Nope wouldn't care. Just like we didn't care about Newt Gingrich's affair ...
Thu Oct 24, 2019, 11:36 AM
Oct 2019

when his wife was in the hospital and he was getting Clinton impeached.

ffr

(22,649 posts)
38. Yep, I'm immune and shameless for the next 20 years to anything dems do.
Thu Oct 24, 2019, 12:08 PM
Oct 2019

Nobody is going to convince me otherwise. We've earned it with the pain and suffering inflicted from this cabal.

not fooled

(5,791 posts)
4. Well, duncan hunter JR. conducted multiple affairs
Thu Oct 24, 2019, 10:29 AM
Oct 2019

including liasons with lobbyist(s), and those came to light only because he got indicted for misusing campaign funds.

Not defending Hill in this and, no, I don't care either but just pointing out that this kind of thing probably goes on with some frequency but rarely gets publicized.

Also, note that Hill's relationship was exposed in RedState, after she flipped a previously red district. RW hit job.

dalton99a

(81,081 posts)
34. +1
Thu Oct 24, 2019, 11:49 AM
Oct 2019
The conservative website RedState first published a nude photo of Hill, who identifies as bisexual, with an individual the publication described as a female campaign staffer. Hill has since said the U.S. Capitol Police are investigating how the photo was obtained by RedState.

CaptainTruth

(6,546 posts)
5. In other words, it sounds like she's human.
Thu Oct 24, 2019, 10:31 AM
Oct 2019

And being human, she is imperfect, & sometimes does things against her better judgement.

To me, as long as no one was assaulted or harmed, it's a private matter.

Let me know when she puts kids in cages & shreds the Constitution.

knightmaar

(748 posts)
9. Because it's a subordinate
Thu Oct 24, 2019, 10:37 AM
Oct 2019

The power differential is a bit different when the woman is the boss (I'm assuming the aide was male), but there's still a power differential.
There's a possibility of favouritism.
There's also the possibility that consent might not be freely given if your job is on the line.

knightmaar

(748 posts)
21. Yeah, "Graham Kelly" is male.
Thu Oct 24, 2019, 11:23 AM
Oct 2019

But it looks like RedState was publishing photos of her with another woman.
I wasn't sure which affair was finally being admitted to.
Either way, it's not quite the same as "male boss - female aide", but it still allows pressure to be exerted.

chowder66

(9,011 posts)
32. She has denied having any relationship with Graham Kelly
Thu Oct 24, 2019, 11:47 AM
Oct 2019

but admitted to the relationship with the aid.

cadoman

(792 posts)
58. well said, but what should/will the consequences be?
Thu Oct 24, 2019, 01:51 PM
Oct 2019

It looks like the most that would happen is a "letter of reproval" and/or "a recommendation to the House of Representatives that a sanction be imposed".

https://ethics.house.gov/publication/code-official-conduct

https://ethics.house.gov/sites/ethics.house.gov/files/ADOPTED%20-%20Committee%20Rules%20for%20116th%20Congress.pdf

Assuming it was all consensual, a saction and/or reproval letter sounds about right. Give the facts to the voters and let them decide.

Rep. Hill is obviously being singled out here though, because she hasn't built up any press leverage and the story is titillating. We know there are plenty more rotten fish, who are doing much worse and getting away with it. Hastert wasn't an anomaly.

BlueIdaho

(13,582 posts)
8. It's not an affair
Thu Oct 24, 2019, 10:36 AM
Oct 2019

So who cares? If, after an abusive relationship, she has found a relationship filled with mutual love and respect - I’m happy for her.

 

Bradical79

(4,490 posts)
19. Dating subordinates is inappropriate
Thu Oct 24, 2019, 11:07 AM
Oct 2019

And not very smart. It can be an abuse of a unequal power dynamic, and is the source of many sexual workplace. I personally give her benefit of the doubt given the circumstances around her marriage and lack of complaint from the guy. Some of that may be my partisanship, and maybe some internalized sexism? I'm not sure. If it were a GOP male in a relationship with his staffer, I can honestly say my gut reaction probably would be different.

Still, the first thing that should happen when starting the relationship is the aid should get a different job. If it's not worth that sort of change, then it shouldn't happen.

BlueIdaho

(13,582 posts)
41. No doubt, none of us are bias free.
Thu Oct 24, 2019, 12:16 PM
Oct 2019

The fact that she is a democrat who was suffering in a bad relationship, I’m sure, colors my thinking as well. Obviously she understands the inappropriate nature of that relationship and is taking steps to make things right. I’m not sure what else she can do. It’s tough being human.

Contrast that to someone like serial offender Duncan Hunter - I still say there is a qualitative and quantitative difference.

 

Bradical79

(4,490 posts)
54. Yeah, by comparison, Republicans are far worse
Thu Oct 24, 2019, 12:59 PM
Oct 2019

A significant number of them should be out of Congress, or in prison, based on their rule breaking and law breaking. Their corruption has been getting more out of control year after year.

Sgent

(5,857 posts)
67. We say that on the one hand
Thu Oct 24, 2019, 05:13 PM
Oct 2019

but then wish congrats to Joe & Mika and Bill & Melinda Gates -- both couples which started dating with that kind of relationship.

I don't know how I feel about this, but meh is the most outrage I can generate.

mitch96

(13,821 posts)
12. As Mulvaney said........ GET OVER IT... nothing here......move along
Thu Oct 24, 2019, 10:45 AM
Oct 2019

We have bigger fish to fry......
m

 

ritapria

(1,812 posts)
13. I don't get it
Thu Oct 24, 2019, 10:47 AM
Oct 2019

The rule is simple and fair ..…...Don't mess around with the staff... What does Hill , do ? …. She throws it all away by messing around with the staff ……. I don't give two shits about her sex life but couldn't she muster up the self-control to follow this rule...…..

Polybius

(15,239 posts)
51. Sometimes it's hard to resist
Thu Oct 24, 2019, 12:55 PM
Oct 2019

I was once a manager at a restaurant when I was 26. I didn't date much, so for me it wasn't too easy. A beautiful server who I had a lot in common with there was always cool with me, and eventually we went hung out one night that we were both off, and things happened and we started dating. We kept it a secret as best as we could.

I don't regret it one bit, it worked out beautifully.

kimbutgar

(20,882 posts)
14. She's toast
Thu Oct 24, 2019, 10:50 AM
Oct 2019

Between fox and her opponent they will be stomping all over her up until the election. She could fight back but the repuke want her blood.

Even though Duncan Hunter, Mark Stanford and several other repukes cheated on their wives it will be mysteriously forgotten because Katie Hill is a Democrat.,

SunSeeker

(51,378 posts)
42. Trump cheated on all three of his wives. Now the GOP cares about adultery?
Thu Oct 24, 2019, 12:16 PM
Oct 2019

Last edited Fri Oct 25, 2019, 01:13 AM - Edit history (1)

I feel for her. She was in an abusive marriage, the person wanted to be involved with her and gave her comfort at a tumultuous time.


On edit: There appears to be no ethics violation since the relationship was nor with a member of her Congressional staff, but rather a member of her campaign:

The California Democrat admitted to having a relationship with someone on her campaign, but denied allegations of an affair with a member of her staff.
...
The House Ethic Committee noted in its release Wednesday that an investigation into the claims does not indicate that Hill violated House rules.

“I am beyond grateful for the work the Ethics Committee does to ensure transparency in Congress. I welcome this investigation and will be cooperating fully to clear this matter up,” Hill said in a statement later Wednesday.


https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/rep-katie-hill-being-investigated-house-over-alleged-relationship-staffer-n1071111?cid=referral_taboolafeed

jgmiller

(383 posts)
17. I really don't care but she did break the rule
Thu Oct 24, 2019, 11:06 AM
Oct 2019

There is a rule against this in congress and she broke it which is stupid on her part.

This is unfortunate because she is smart and she managed to flip a red district that will now flip back. The GOP won't care that Hunter and tons of others have done worse they will just go on and on about this. Also it was a female staffer so this will get even more traction.

She was smart in admitting it once it came out and she seems to be playing correctly about the abusive ex husband, maybe this won't end badly but I doubt it. Let's face it if you are a dem, a minority or LGBTQ and you are in congress then you have to be perfect or they will get you. It's very sad to have to say that but it's the truth.

Stuart G

(38,365 posts)
23. The real question should be.... " Did She?", Or "Didn't She, Give the Staffer a... "Blow Job"???
Thu Oct 24, 2019, 11:33 AM
Oct 2019

....Did She, or Didn't She ....Lie about the "Blow Job?"...(a historical reference to those who do not...
understand this one)... Do your job, and look it up...I ain't going into it, cause it is about a "Blow Job"

Stuart G

(38,365 posts)
40. Yes, I got an unlimited supply of ellipses. Bulk Deal of course...................
Thu Oct 24, 2019, 12:16 PM
Oct 2019

But, I might add, you are not the first one to point that out. Several years ago, there was another comment about my using too many dots........??? At first I did not know what an ellipses was?....then I discovered that it was a lots of dots.......................................................ok? :

SunSeeker

(51,378 posts)
43. Ellipses are not a replacement for correct punctuation.
Thu Oct 24, 2019, 12:23 PM
Oct 2019

Using ellipses the way you appear to do (as a replacement for actual punctuation) is really distracting and muddles whatever point you are trying to make. Commas, periods, colons and semicolons would serve you much better.

Stuart G

(38,365 posts)
44. Yes. Commas, periods. colons: semicolons; I will try, but I am aged.
Thu Oct 24, 2019, 12:32 PM
Oct 2019

Hard to teach an old dog new tricks.

amcgrath

(397 posts)
24. There are many aspects to this story
Thu Oct 24, 2019, 11:33 AM
Oct 2019

But the most disappointing one may be that she claimed that she wasn't having a relationship and that she asked for understanding as she was separated from an abusive partner who was spreading lies about her. She actually asked for sympathy and understanding for her situation.

It is disgusting to try and hide behind other people's suffering, especially when it may be used to brush aside genuine claims. The fact that she was having an affair was being used as a weapon against her by a nasty bunch of hipocritical sexist republicans.

Now they can add to their venom with the 'fact' that women just lie about such things. I don't care about her private life. I care that she has betrayed people who are genuinely trying to deal with an abusive ex-partner

amcgrath

(397 posts)
59. ?
Thu Oct 24, 2019, 02:00 PM
Oct 2019

Freshman Democrat Katie Hill denies improper relationship with staffer

Rebecca Klar10/22/19 04:30 PM EDT
Freshman Rep. Katie Hill (D-Calif.) is denying allegations that she had an improper relationship with a member of her staff, and said the accusations are stemming from her divorce from "an abusive husband."

“The fact is I am going through a divorce from an abusive husband who seems determined to try to humiliate me. I am disgusted that my opponents would seek to exploit such a private matter for political gain,” she said in a statement to The Hill on Tuesday.

“This coordinated effort to try to destroy me and people close to me is despicable and will not succeed," she added. "I, like many women who have faced attacks like this before, am stronger than those who want me to be afraid.”

dalton99a

(81,081 posts)
30. Unless and until she's convicted of a crime, I don't care.
Thu Oct 24, 2019, 11:46 AM
Oct 2019

What she does or doesn't do in her personal life is her own business


aggiesal

(8,864 posts)
33. I keep reading that we shouldn't care if the relationship was consenual, ...
Thu Oct 24, 2019, 11:49 AM
Oct 2019

but we should care.

She's a member of congress and all members are privy to classified information,
to be able to do their job and vote on issues with all the facts.
If they do anything that's against the rules or as egregious as having a sexual relationship
with a staffer, that opens them up to being a target and then being compromised.
They could even be blackmailed by the partner if the relationship ends badly.

This was really poor judgement and I believe she'll end up paying dearly for it.

TreasonousBastard

(43,049 posts)
36. The NY Post says that she had a "throuple" with her "abusive" ex...
Thu Oct 24, 2019, 12:05 PM
Oct 2019

and the female staffer. Photos are supposedly around.

I find this pruriently sufficient for really good gossip, but that's about all.

Texin

(2,585 posts)
55. That's how I feel about it. It's a private matter and they were consenting adults.
Thu Oct 24, 2019, 01:06 PM
Oct 2019

As long as the two of them didn't abuse public funds to arrange accommodation for their trysts, I couldn't care less. Good god. The country is trying to deal with its single greatest threat to the nation's democracy it's hasn't faced since the Civil War. How can anyone muster up enough inflated moral outrage about this? Seriously. Generally, I would say that a boss shouldn't get involved with a subordinate, especially when the balance of power between them is unequal, but I also think it's not a good idea generally for a couple who work together regardless of one being in a higher position or not, since any disagreements between them probably are going to affect their performance on the job. But basically, I don't care if a company or the taxpayers aren't footing any of their expenditures.

That said, she shouldn't have lied about it. If one's involved in an activity that will cause them shame enough to have to come clean publicly, they probably shouldn't be serving in the public domain where some two bit colleague can out their behavior at some point in future.

SunSeeker

(51,378 posts)
72. It wasn't a staffer, so unlikely any ethics violation was committed.
Fri Oct 25, 2019, 01:16 AM
Oct 2019
The California Democrat admitted to having a relationship with someone on her campaign, but denied allegations of an affair with a member of her staff.
...
The House Ethic Committee noted in its release Wednesday that an investigation into the claims does not indicate that Hill violated House rules.

“I am beyond grateful for the work the Ethics Committee does to ensure transparency in Congress. I welcome this investigation and will be cooperating fully to clear this matter up,” Hill said in a statement later Wednesday.


https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/rep-katie-hill-being-investigated-house-over-alleged-relationship-staffer-n1071111?cid=referral_taboolafeed
 

Tiggeroshii

(11,088 posts)
62. If she resigns in this purple district and we don't have a strong candidate...
Thu Oct 24, 2019, 02:42 PM
Oct 2019

it's going back to an idiot. She flipped this last year.

inwiththenew

(972 posts)
65. Looks like she's got an Iron Cross tattoo as well
Thu Oct 24, 2019, 04:17 PM
Oct 2019

The last round of photos I saw show her naked holding a giant bong with Iron Cross tattoo on her leg.

SunSeeker

(51,378 posts)
73. It wasn't a staffer, so unlikely any ethics violation was committed.
Fri Oct 25, 2019, 01:25 AM
Oct 2019
The California Democrat admitted to having a relationship with someone on her campaign, but denied allegations of an affair with a member of her staff.
...
The House Ethic Committee noted in its release Wednesday that an investigation into the claims does not indicate that Hill violated House rules.

“I am beyond grateful for the work the Ethics Committee does to ensure transparency in Congress. I welcome this investigation and will be cooperating fully to clear this matter up,” Hill said in a statement later Wednesday.


https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/rep-katie-hill-being-investigated-house-over-alleged-relationship-staffer-n1071111?cid=referral_taboolafeed


The Hill has a very right wing, misleading take on this story. You really should edit your OP, or at least cite the above excerpt from the NBC story, otherwise, you're kinda repeating false right wing talking points from Red State, which is cited in that Hill piece.

SKKY

(11,773 posts)
76. Which makes it even more confusing as to why she is resigning...
Mon Oct 28, 2019, 12:13 PM
Oct 2019

...Trump is taking all the oxygen right now. Very, very few are even paying attention to her. I think she should have stuck it out and let this pass over.

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