TUNKHANNOCK -- Anthony Weiner, the former congressman and candidate for mayor of New York City, is again accused in a sexting scandal, this time with a 15-year-old girl.
The controversy comes in the midst of the 14th Annual Fall Film Festival at The Dietrich Theater in Tunkhannock, which happens to feature “Weiner,” an up-close look at Weiner's failed run for office and the controversy ignited with inappropriate pictures and texts sent to young women.
His wife, Huma Abedin, a top Hillary Clinton aide, was standing by his side through it all.
"It's just a mystery why he destroyed himself twice--well now today, three times. Anything now is in ashes for him. He had apologized, was running for mayor of New York and the cameras are following him because he's doing this documentary and he still messes it up!" said Hildy Morgan, who has seen the film.
The documentary was selected before Weiner's wife announced she was leaving him and before this latest controversy surrounding a 15-year old girl.
"I didn't think it could sink any lower but it has. When I was booking the movie I thought it was politically charged. We are in a time when politics are on everybody's mind and it's something that I thought would be kind of a redemption for him,” said Ronnie Harvey, film booker and manager at the theater.
The Daily Mail interviewed the girl and her father, who also provided screen shots of texts and photos sent between the two on the messaging app Confide in February and March. The app automatically deletes messages and images after the first time they are read or viewed.
The story contains extensive details many may find disturbing.
This latest scandal now unfolding is generating even more interest in the documentary and staff at the Dietrich expect folks to show up to screenings.
"It can't get more current than this and it's just a circumstance that came upon us and we hope to see people come out and see it on the big screen for themselves,” said Erica Rogler, executive director of the theater.
"It seemed like he had gone as far with this nonsense as he could go and yet he didn't and he knew this was a vulnerable, troubled 15-year-old child and he did it anyway,” said Morgan.
The film festival runs through October 6. Then on October 7 at 1p.m., there will be a discussion of the films.
Weiner declined to comment on the specifics of the allegations to the Daily Mail, but provided copies of two emails the girl sent him that he contends raised questions about her claims, along with this statement:
I have repeatedly demonstrated terrible judgement about the people I have communicated with online and the things I have sent.
I am filled with regret and heartbroken for those I have hurt.
While I have provided the Daily Mail with information showing that I have likely been the subject of a hoax, I have no one to blame but me for putting myself in this position.
I am sorry.
