New Anthony Weiner Allegations Are Appalling

Things may have actually gotten worse for Anthony Weiner on Wednesday. According to The Daily Mail, which broke the story Wednesday morning, Weiner had a sexting relationship with a teenager — according to The Mail, a girl just 15 years old. The outlet published screenshots of alleged text messages between Weiner and the girl, along with shirtless photos of Weiner that the disgraced congressman had allegedly sent to her. According to the teenager, they texted and also spoke over Skype. Although Weiner described the situation as most likely a "hoax" in a statement, he nonetheless added, "I am sorry."

Weiner's wife, Huma Abedin, officially separated from him last month. The separation came after Page Six allegations that Weiner had engaged in yet another sexting relationship with a woman who was not Abedin. One of the photos that Weiner reportedly sent to the woman showed his crotch; in the same frame was his toddler son. This was the third sexting scandal in which Weiner had found himself embroiled. The first derailed his career in Congress, while the second ensured that his candidacy to be mayor of New York went nowhere.

In a statement to The Daily Mail, Weiner said: "I have repeatedly demonstrated terrible judgement about the people I have communicated with online and the things I have sent. I am filled with regret and heartbroken for those I have hurt."

Weiner was already being investigated by child services in New York state following the release of the image of his son with him in a sext. It came as no surprise to observers that Weiner might have a fourth sexting scandal on his hands, but the possibility that he knew the girl was15 — which Weiner appears to have described as probably a "hoax" — reframes the disgraced congressperson as far worse than just an unfaithful husband.

Many observers reacted with horror on Twitter.

The most disturbing element of these allegations is the claim from The Daily Mail that Weiner asked the teenager to participate in rape fantasies. Weiner has not explicitly commented on this claim, but it would likely fall under his description of the entire event being "a hoax."

The photos published by The Daily Mail show a shirtless Weiner grabbing his crotch, holding his baby son, and in a swimming pool.

Abedin has not commented on the allegations. In a statement in late August, she said: "After long painful consideration and work on my marriage, I have made the decision to separate from my husband. Anthony and I remain devoted to doing what’s best for our son, who is the light of our life. During this difficult time, I ask for respect for our privacy.”