Newsom Responds To Rippey’s Claims After Ex-Mistress Goes Public

Newsom himself had not yet finalized his divorce from Kimberly Guilfoyle, now the U.S. Ambassador to Greece.

Rippey entered rehab in May 2006 and ended the affair but did not confess to her husband until January 2007.

Tourk confronted Newsom, resigned, and the scandal exploded publicly.

Newsom held a somber press conference admitting, “Everything you’ve heard and read is true,” and apologizing for hurting “someone I care deeply about, Alex Tourk.”

The episode forced Newsom to seek alcohol treatment and nearly ended his rising political trajectory.

In his recent memoir, Newsom described it as “the stupidest and also briefest of affairs,” noting both were drinking too much.

Rippey now says she accepts responsibility for her choices while recognizing Newsom held greater power as her boss.

She remains sober, has remarried, and has even repaired relations enough to attend Tourk’s later wedding.

She also recalls then-San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris calling her after the news broke.

Newsom, who positions himself as a family man and progressive champion, betrayed a trusted friend and subordinate while holding public office.