Former Aide to Gavin Newsom Discusses Past Affair

Ruby Rippey, a former aide to California Governor Gavin Newsom, has shared her perspective on their affair in a first-person essay published in Vanity Fair. This marks the first time Rippey has publicly addressed the events surrounding the affair, which occurred two decades ago when Newsom was the mayor of San Francisco. In 2007, Newsom publicly admitted to the affair during a press conference, acknowledging its impact on his personal life. Rippey critiques Newsom's portrayal of the affair in his memoir, stating that it omits her role in revealing the truth to his then-wife's deputy chief of staff, Alex Tourk. Rippey, who has been sober for 20 years, reflects on the circumstances that led to the affair and her subsequent decisions, including a stint in rehab. A representative for Newsom stated that he has acknowledged his past actions and has since focused on his family and public service. Rippey also noted the influence of the #MeToo movement on public perceptions of her involvement in the affair.