Former Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen has opened up about his "titillating and exciting" encounters with a sex worker which ultimately led to his departure from state parliament.
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In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Mr Johnsen said allegations earlier this year that he had raped a sex worker in the Blue Mountains in 2019 had been distressing and caused him anxiety.
"I saw a sex worker and, yes, it was not my first dalliance - but I've never seen one while in a committed relationship," Mr Johnsen told the Daily Telegraph.
"It was titillating and exciting. I was finding myself again after 30 years of marriage. I married at the age of 21 and had never played the field.
"I'm a red blooded male, sorry if I get turned on. But rape? It just didn't happen.
"It's caused deep anguish, I lost control of myself.
"It was stitched up over the Upper Hunter seat. But I was stupid to be texting the sex worker in parliament."
Mr Johnsen's resignation triggered a by-election in which the National Party retained the seat, contributing to the resignation of Labor leader Jodi McKay and ascension of Chris Minns to the role.
IN THE NEWS:
Xavier Mardling
Xavier started at The Border Mail in Albury-Wodonga in 2001, covering sport and general news before moving to the subs' desk. He was editor of his hometown masthead from 2016 to 2020 before swapping the Murray for Merewether. He returned to The Border Mail as editor in 2023.
Xavier started at The Border Mail in Albury-Wodonga in 2001, covering sport and general news before moving to the subs' desk. He was editor of his hometown masthead from 2016 to 2020 before swapping the Murray for Merewether. He returned to The Border Mail as editor in 2023.
