A day after fellow Democrats called for his resignation, San Diego Mayor Bob Filner announced Friday that he will take a two-week hiatus for "intensive counseling" in response to a tide of sexual harassment allegations.
"Beginning on August 5, I will be entering a behavior counseling clinic for two weeks of intensive therapy to begin the process of addressing my behavior," Filner told reporters, reading a prepared statement.
Saying he had apologized to his staff, the citizens, and the "women I have offended," the mayor said, "It is simply not acceptable to explain away my conduct as the product of the standards of a different generation."
Filner said during his two-week "full-time" stay at the clinic, he will be briefed on city matters. San Diego's city charter does not require him to appoint an interim mayor for a temporary absence.
Filner said he would return to office on August 19 and "my focus will be on making sure I am doing right by this city by being the best mayor I can be and being the best person I must be."
He said he will take part in regular counseling after his clinic stay.
It's unlikely that his decision will quell the mounting calls for his resignation.
One of his accusers, Morgan Rose, told CNN's Poppy Harlow that his announcement shows that "he's addicted to power and control."
"I think this is a man who demonstrates an extreme narcissistic profile," Rose said after Filner's announcement. "He is doing this because he can keep the control and power. He is not giving that up for us. If he truly was repentant he would. He would realize how hurtful he was to us."
Seven women -- including Rose -- have publicly accused Filner of unwanted groping, kissing or other inappropriate contact. Many of the accusations allegedly took place during his five terms in Congress, before he was elected mayor last year.
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