Just hours after Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens delivered his second State of the State address, he acknowledged that he was involved in an affair before he launched his campaign for governor in the fall of 2015. Greitens and his wife, Sheena Greitens, issued joint statements late Wednesday through their lawyer after St. Louis television station KMOV-TV (Channel 4) reported on the matter. Eric Greitens acknowledges he was "unfaithful" in his marriage but denies allegations that he blackmailed the woman he had an extramarital affair with to stay quiet. The matter could affect Greitens’ national aspirations, since his GOP campaign for governor in 2016 promoted, in part, his character and his belief in family values. A contrast to the acts the woman accuses Greitens of committing on tape saying his actions were “horrible and disgusting.” 
 
 
 
 The ex-husband provided details to News 4 of what he claims was a sexual encounter between his now-ex-wife and Greitens back in March of 2015. I want the media and those who wish to peddle gossip to stay away from me and my children.” 
 
 The TV report included allegations that Greitens threatened to blackmail the woman, to keep the affair secret. The woman allegedly involved did not comment on the record to the station, which released its report late Wednesday after Greitens gave his State of the State speech. The station declined to provide the tape or transcript in advance of running their story, which contained multiple false allegations," Bennett said. "The claim that this nearly three-year old story has generated or should generate law enforcement interest is completely false. Greitens' statement with his wife, Sheena, didn't address the affair specifically or the allegations, but in a separate statement Greitens' attorney, Jim Bennett, said, "There was no blackmail and that claim is false." This personal matter has been addressed by the Governor and Mrs. Greitens privately years ago when it happened. The outrageous claims of improper conduct regarding these almost three-year-ago events are false." When questioned by News 4, Greitens did not address the issue of the photograph but the Governor and his wife did release the following statement: 
 
 "A few years ago, before Eric was elected Governor, there was a time when he was unfaithful in our marriage. “It was a deeply personal mistake.” 
 
 “Eric took responsibility, and we dealt with this honestly and privately,” the statement continued. “While we would have never wished for this pain in our marriage, or the pain that this has caused others, with God’s mercy, Sheena has forgiven and we have emerged stronger. We understand that there will be some people who cannot forgive – but for those who can find it in your heart, Eric asks for your forgiveness, and we are grateful for your love, your compassion, and your prayers." “But for those who can find it in your heart, Eric asks for your forgiveness, and we are grateful for your love, your compassion and your prayers.” 
 
 In a separate note, Sheena Greitens added, “We have a loving marriage and an awesome family, anything beyond that is between us and God.
– Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens acknowledges he was "unfaithful" in his marriage but denies allegations that he blackmailed the woman he had an affair with to stay quiet, the AP reports. The Republican governor and his wife, Sheena, released a joint statement Wednesday night after KMOV reported that Greitens had a sexual relationship with his former hairdresser in 2015. The station reported that the woman's ex-husband alleged Greitens photographed her nude and threatened to publicize the images if she spoke about the affair. "A few years ago, before Eric was elected governor, there was a time when he was unfaithful in our marriage," the Greitens' statement said. "It was a deeply personal mistake." The woman allegedly involved did not comment on the record to KMOV, which released its report late Wednesday after Greitens gave his State of the State speech. But her ex-husband, who divorced her in 2016, provided a recording of her detailing a sexual encounter with Greitens and saying Greitens told her the photos would be released if she exposed the affair. She did not know she was being recorded. Greitens' statement with his wife didn't address the affair specifically or the allegations, but in a separate statement, Greitens' attorney, Jim Bennett, said, "There was no blackmail and that claim is false." St. Louis Public Radio notes that the news could damage Greitens' higher political aspirations, especially since his 2016 campaign focused on character and family values.