State Senator “Huggy Bear” Reprimanded for Making Coworkers Uncomfortable

bob-hertzberg
bob-hertzberg

FILE - In this April 22, 2015, file photo, state Sen. Bob Hertzberg, D-Van Nuys, poses in his Capitol office in Sacramento, Calif. Hertzberg is proudly known for hugging, once passing out pins reading "I was hugged by Assemblyman Bob Hertzberg." The Democratic senator is facing allegations he inappropriately hugged three of his female colleagues. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File)

 

A California state senator is being told to stop hugging his female colleagues. Democrat Bob Hertzberg of Southern California has earned the nickname “Huggy Bear” around the state capitol, but not everyone is comfortable with his actions. The Senate Rules Committee formally reprimanded Hertzberg on Thursday, saying the behavior is not welcomed and that he needs to stop. This comes after the committee investigated four allegations, three from female legislators. Hertzberg says his hugging is not sexual.