Robert Kraft is finally speaking out. About a month after being charged with two counts of soliciting a prostitute, the New England Patriots owner has issued his first public statement about the scandal.
"In deference to the judicial process, I have remained silent these past several weeks. To correct some of the misinformation surrounding this matter, my attorney made his first public comments on Friday night," Kraft wrote. "I would like to use this opportunity to say something that I have wanted to say for four weeks: I am truly sorry. I know I have hurt and disappointed my family, my close friends, my co-workers, our fans and many others who rightfully hold me to a higher standard."
You can read his full statement below.
Kraft was arrested Feb. 22 on allegations he had paid for illicit sex at the Orchids of Asia Day Spa in Jupiter, Florida. The accusations stem from an eight-month investigation into South Florida massage parlors that were suspected of human trafficking.
Investigators say the Kraft Group chairman had visited the spa on two different occasions back in January: He was spotted at the establishment on the 19th and on the morning of the 20th, shortly before the Patriots secured the AFC Championship. Court documents state Kraft was caught on surveillance camera paying a woman cash at the front desk, before he was escorted to the back to engage in sexual activity.
His attorneys have filed motion for a protective order that would prevent the video from going public. Kraft's lead attorney William Burck argues the footage was illegally obtained. State officials have not granted the order.
"We put in a motion for a protective order of the evidence in this case, a standard request in any case to keep evidence protected until trial—especially since the video evidence supposedly contains private moments between [two or more] people," Burck told the New York Post this week. "We've been surprised and disappointed that the state attorney did not sign on to the protective order, because it is a standard procedure in a criminal case. They declined to agree to the protective order."
Kraft was one of 25 people who were charged in the sting. He's since pleaded not guilty to first-degree misdemeanor solicitation of another to commit prostitution. His next court date has been scheduled for March 28.
