Presidential hopeful Michael Bloomberg’s (D) partner Diana Taylor defended his use of nondisclosure agreements (NDAs).
Addressing the agreements, Taylor told CBS News, “In none of them was he accused of doing anything and saying something nasty to a woman. That is not who he is. Life has changed. I grew up in that world. It was a bro culture.”
When asked how she would respond to criticism of the nondisclosure agreements, Taylor said, “It was thirty years ago. Get over it.”
Watch the video below:
Diana Taylor, @MikeBloomberg’s long-time partner, tells @CBSNews about his company’s non-disclosure agreements.
— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) February 25, 2020
“I grew up in that world. It was a bro culture… We have come a very, very long way and Michael Bloomberg has been at the forefront of that change.” pic.twitter.com/0m3m4SACG3
During the last primary democratic debate, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) asked the Bloomberg if he would release former employees from nondisclosure agreements.
Warren has previously called for Bloomberg to do so, arguing that, “[Nondisclosure agreements] are a way for people to hide bad things they’ve done. And I think that women should be able to speak.”
Initially, Bloomberg said he would not release the women from their agreements because, “We have an agreement, couldn’t do it even if we wanted to.”
However, after the debate, Bloomberg said three women had signed nondisclosure agreements “to address complaints about comments they said I had made.” He added that they would be able to be released from their NDAs if they wished.
ABC News reported that several women had filed lawsuits against Bloomberg, alleging that he had created a work environment that was “toxic and harassing” for women.
Shortly after announcing his presidential campaign, Bloomberg faced scrutiny over inappropriate comments he reportedly made about women.
In response, his campaign released a statement that said Bloomberg “believes his words have not always aligned with his values and the way he has led his life.”