Former Florida Democratic Party staffers say chair made ‘demeaning’ remarks toward women

Florida Democratic Party Chairman Stephen Bittel has been accused of creating a hostile workplace environment for women by making constant inappropriate comments and suggestion, according to six unnamed women who talked to POLITICO Florida.

While the women told POLITICO that they were never inappropriately touched, they said Bittel’s  suggestive remarks, invitations to go on his private plane and even his possession of a breast-shaped stress squeeze-ball kept at his desk made them uncomfortable

“The biggest thing I will say is that it became a policy that women, especially junior staff, were never to be left alone with him in his office, plane or house,” a former party staffer told the news outlet.

Bittel, a millionaire South Florida developer, has apologized for his behavior and did not deny the accounts of the women who talked to POLITICO Florida.

“Every person, regardless of their gender, race, age or sexuality should be treated with respect and valued for their hard work and contributions to our community and if any of my comments or actions did not reflect that belief I am deeply sorry,” Bittel said.

A woman told POLITICO that Bittel’s constant remarks belittling women prompted her to leave her job.

“There is a reason I left,” one woman told POLITICO. “He’s very demeaning. He’s inappropriate in his comments he makes to women.”

These accounts by these women — identified as former FDP staffer and consultants — come after stories of alleged sexual misconduct by powerful men in the Florida Senate, including Sen. Jack Latvala, a Clearwater Republican running for governor, who is accused by six unnamed women of sexually groping and harassing them. Latvala is currently under investigation by the Senate.

“I have much to learn, but my goal is and has always been to make sure every member of our party has a safe environment in which to succeed. It seems I’ve not been successful in that goal, and I will do better,” Bittel said.

UPDATE: On Friday morning, Bittel announced he is resigning following reports that he created a hostile work environment for women by “belittling” them in front of male staffers and making suggestive remarks.