Ruby Rippey, the former lover of California Gov. Gavin Newsom, is sharing new details about their affair in a Vanity Fair essay.
She describes how she orchestrated encounters with Newsom while working as his secretary during his time as San Francisco mayor.
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Rippey says she would scan Newsom's calendar for openings and show up at his expected locations.
She would make sure he spotted her before slipping away, which often led to a text from him asking, "Where are you?"
Their meetings took place at his Russian Hill penthouse, a private room in a North Beach bar, or the W Hotel in Los Angeles.
Rippey says she always went to him regardless of the location.
A representative for Newsom told TMZ that the governor acknowledged his role and publicly apologized nearly two decades ago.
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The rep added that Newsom has since moved on, focusing on his family and serving Californians.
Advice from Kamala Harris
Rippey says that after the affair became public, then-San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris called her.
Rippey was broke, unemployed, and considering a memoir offer when Harris advised her to wait.
"I wouldn't say anything right now, Ruby," Harris allegedly told her. "Just pause.
More time will give you better perspective." Rippey took the advice and remained largely silent for years.
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Rippey describes the relationship as another form of intoxication during her struggle with alcohol and cocaine.
She says it was fueled by proximity to power and the feeling of being chosen, not love or romance.
She entered rehab in May 2006 and ended the affair. She confessed to her then-husband, Alex Tourk, in January 2007.
Tourk, who was Newsom's close friend and campaign manager, confronted Newsom and resigned. Newsom publicly admitted the affair and apologized.
Twenty years later, Rippey says she remains sober, has remarried, and even attended Alex's wedding.
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She accepts responsibility for her choices but acknowledges Newsom held greater power in their working relationship.
