The woman at the center of the blackmail allegations against Missouri Governor Eric Greitens has asked for privacy.
The St. Charles law firm representing her issued a statement to reporters Friday afternoon. In it, the Knight & Simpson firm says, “This story has taken an emotional toll on our client and she is extremely distraught that the information has been made public.”
The unnamed woman, who was being secretly recorded by her ex-husband, indicated that Greitens blindfolded her, tied her to pull-up rings while she was partially naked, snapped a photo, and then threatened to distribute the photo if she mentioned his name.
The story was reported by St. Louis TV station KMOV shortly after Greitens delivered his State of the State address Wednesday night.
In their release, her attorneys say, “It is very disappointing that her ex-husband betrayed her confidence by secretly, and without her knowledge, recorded a private and deeply personal conversation and then subsequently released the recording to the media without her consent.”
The release also conveys the woman’s preference to rid herself of future involvement. The release states, “She wants to remain a private citizen and does not want to be part of this story.”
The woman will likely be contacted about legal proceedings involving her extra marital relationship with Greitens. St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner announced Thursday her office would launch a formal investigation into the allegations of blackmail.
Governor Geitens has admitted to the extra marital affair, but vehemently denies the blackmail accusations.
