I think the more telling aspect is his reaction after the fact. He tried to minimize what he did, saying he was caught up in the moment, and then said it was consensual.

I’ve felt the “I’m so happy I could kiss you!” feeling, so I can empathize with that concept. I’ve never acted on it, or kissed anyone against their will, but it is an impulse I could at least understand. That isn’t a justification for sexual assault, and he shouldn’t retain his job and should face legal consequences even in that circumstance. Not a “minor infraction” by any stretch, but it would be a different situation, one less severe than the reality.

But if that were the truth, then he should have said that and apologized. Gaslighting the victim and then calling her a liar tells me this wasn’t a moment of excitement, it wasn’t him misreading the signs. He does not respect her as a person and will use all available means to silence his critics.

He belongs in prison.