Eric Bauman, the chair of the California Democratic Party will take a leave of absence to get treatment for alcohol abuse and other health issues as he battles allegation of sexual misconduct from staffers

Eric Bauman is being investigated by the party for alleged sexual misconduct and apologised in a statement released on Wednesday.

He is the first openly gay leader of the California Democratic Party but one of his deputies called for him to be removed because of claims of sexual harassment and assault.

In a statement today he said that he will now be taking a leave of absence to get treatment for alcohol abuse and other medical issues.

Bauman said:

'The events of the last few days have given me the opportunity to reflect on my actions and their potential effect on other people. I deeply regret if my behavior has caused pain to any of the outstanding individuals with whom I've had the privilege to work.

I appreciate the courage it took for these individuals to come forward to tell their stories.

I will use the time I am on leave to immediately seek medical intervention to address serious, ongoing health issues and to begin treatment for what I now realize is an issue with alcohol.

Leading the California Democratic Party to historic victories has been the honor of a lifetime, and I look forward to continuing this important work upon the conclusion of the investigation and when my health allows.'

The party has now hired an outside investigator to look into the allegations.

Bauman released the statement in response to a story in the Los Angeles Times that detailed complaints of sexually explicit remarks and unwanted touching by male and female staff members.

Bauman reently said that rumours alleging he is a child molester were not true.

'Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chairman Eric Bauman, a front-runner in the race to lead the state party, has sent an email to California Democrats saying he's been targeted by false rumors of "engaging in inappropriate behavior with 14- and 16-year-old boys," it was reported Monday.

Bauman said he decided to send the email Sunday after members of his campaign team, while calling California Democratic Party delegates to ask for their support, reported that at least four people said they had heard the rumor, the Los Angeles Times reported.'

• LA Democratic Leader Addresses Child Molestation Rumors

• Eric Bauman just elected to lead Cal State Dem party. Is he related to Brad Bauman? (Seth Rich investigation related) Oh and Eric was accused of child molestation.

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