Two days after Steve Wynn was accused of sexual misconduct in a Wall Street Journal report, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker didn't hold back his disgust as he commented on the allegations.
"The reports and the allegations associated with Steve Wynn were appalling and sickening in some respects," Gov. Baker said.
Baker, a prominent member of the Massachusetts Republic Party, also commented on Wynn's resignation as the finance chair of the National Republican Committee on Saturday in the wake of Friday's allegations.
"I think if he would have stayed, it would have been, look, it would have been damaging to not acknowledge the issues that were raised in those reports. Clearly the committee did and they did quickly."
While it was a quick removal of Wynn from the Republican Party, the fate of the Wynn Boston Harbor Casino in Everett is up in the air.
Construction is still going on at the Everett location, which is set to open next year.
Senator Elizabeth Warren says it all lies in the hands of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission’s investigation.
Local
In-depth news coverage of the Greater Boston Area.
"I believe that the Gaming Commission is responsible for looking into the character and fitness of the person who would be running the casino here in Massachusetts."
Gov. Baker thinks the allegations of sexual harassment in this time of #metoo could play a pivotal role in any decision by the Gaming Commission.
"It has to stop and we all need to recognize and understand that that kind of behavior, it’s just not, it’s disgraceful, and it can’t be tolerated and there’s no excuse for it."
Everett City Councilor Michael McLaughlin released a statement regarding the allegations against Wynn late Sunday night, saying, "these accusations of sexual misconduct are deeply concerning to me as a city councilor and vocal supporter of Wynn developments since the Everett project was first proposed in 2012."
McLaughlin said his support for Wynn in Everett stems from "the job opportunities, economic growth, and development of the unusable contaminated land," of which he says will positively impact the community and region for years to come.
"I do not believe the thousands of people who this project will positively impact should be punished for one individual’s alleged behavior," McLaughlin went on to say in the statement. "That being said, it is important we take these allegations seriously and allow the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to conduct a thorough investigation. It is my highest priory that anyone living or working in our community is never subject to sexual harassment, under any circumstances. I have full faith in the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to come forward with an appropriate resolution which will not hinder the progress of the project but will simultaneously show zero tolerance for sexual misconduct in any capacity."
