Missouri governor accused of sex abuse

Missouri Governor Eric Greitens calls it an “entirely consensual relationship”.

The woman with whom he has acknowledged having an affair says Mr Greitens spanked, slapped, grabbed and shoved her during a series of sexual encounters that at times left her crying and afraid.

The graphic testimony was revealed in a report released by a special Missouri legislative committee that now is expanding its mission to recommend whether lawmakers should start impeachment proceedings to try to remove the Republican governor from office.

Some prominent politicians, including Republican state Attorney General Josh Hawley and Democratic US Senator Claire Mccaskill, are calling on Mr Greitens to immediately resign.

Mr Greitens is vowing to remain in office and prove his innocence against mounting allegations he denounced as “lies and falsehoods”.

The 44-year-old is to go to trial on 14 May in St Louis.