Former county supervisor Nathan Fletcher addresses sexual harassment lawsuit dismissal

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Former San Diego County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher spoke publicly on Thursday for the first time since a judge dismissed a sexual harassment lawsuit against him, saying the accusations nearly destroyed his life.

During an emotional news conference, Fletcher, 47, thanked his wife, Lorena Gonzalez — a recent breast cancer survivor — for standing by him despite the allegations.

“I want to thank my wife. I love my wife deeply, more than anything in the world,” Fletcher said, holding Gonzalez’s hand. “She’s my best friend and I was foolish and I hurt her. I embarrassed her and she didn’t deserve any of it.”

The lawsuit was filed last year by Grecia Figueroa, who worked at the Metropolitan Transit System while Fletcher served as board chair. She accused him of groping her at work and sending her sexual messages. Fletcher acknowledged exchanging “embarrassing messages” and sharing a consensual kiss, but denied further misconduct.

“It’ll perhaps go down as the greatest sex scandal in history that didn’t involve any sex,” Fletcher said.

Fletcher claimed attorneys for Figueroa attempted to extort $5 million from him, threatening to go public with the accusations. He said the fallout fueled death threats against his family, including an arson attack on their home.

In August, a San Diego Superior Court judge threw out the civil case, ruling that Figueroa fabricated evidence by preserving only messages favorable to her claim. Gonzalez, now head of the California Labor Federation, said the case undermines real victims of harassment.

“When an actual survivor comes forward, people are going to remember this,” Gonzalez said. “That’s damage to women, real victims.”

Fletcher, a Marine veteran who has spoken openly about alcoholism and PTSD, said equine therapy has helped him recover. He now works on ranches as a cowboy and does consulting. He ruled out returning to politics.

Video: Nathan Fletcher and his wife speak publicly

“When I say there is no interest, I mean there is no interest and there is no desire at all,” Fletcher said.

Fletcher has filed a defamation lawsuit against Figueroa, who maintains she is a victim and plans to appeal the ruling.