Former Seattle Chief Denies Allegations of Harassment and Hostile Work Environment

Former Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz, who was accused by four female officers in the department of discrimination, harassment and maintaining a hostile work environment, said the allegations against him are false.

He also said publicly for the first time that he is gay, NBC News reports.

Diaz, who was removed from his post last month and reassigned, denied the allegations and came out in a wide-ranging interview this week with radio talk show host Jason Rantz.

Diaz said the allegations in the claim for damages filed by the women in April were false and in some cases fabricated.

Diaz, who is married to a woman, said he contemplated coming out at some point but faced resistance from some quarters to do so while he was police chief. He declined to give specifics.