RantCrush Top 5: May 10, 2017

Seattle Mayor Ed Murray has said he will no longer seek a second term, even though he was expected to win easily, after four men have accused him of sexual abuse. A month ago, one man sued him over alleged child sex abuse in the 1980’s. The man, who used to be an addict living on the streets, claimed that Murray abused him when he was a teenager. Murray has vehemently denied all allegations, and his spokesman said, “It is not a coincidence that this shakedown effort comes within weeks of the campaign filing deadline.” Two other men raised similar allegations a decade ago and a fourth man did so last week.

Murray, who is gay, announced yesterday that it “tears me to pieces to step away,” but that he is happy to have been a part of some remarkable progress for gay rights in the city. Murray has been widely popular throughout his mayorship.

#seattle mayor Ed Murray: allegations not true. But hurting city. I am withdrawing as candidate. My heart aches. @KUOW pic.twitter.com/RA6C9m8UpK

— Amy Radil at KUOW (@AmyRadil) May 9, 2017

Emma Von Zeipel

Emma Von Zeipel is a staff writer at Law Street Media. She is originally from one of the islands of Stockholm, Sweden. After working for Democratic Voice of Burma in Thailand, she ended up in New York City. She has a BA in journalism from Stockholm University and is passionate about human rights, good books, horses, and European chocolate. Contact Emma at EVonZeipel@LawStreetMedia.com.