HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Outspoken #MeToo advocate Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty finds herself in the awkward position of apologizing for not protecting female staffers from alleged violence, threats and sexual harassment by her former chief of staff.

The Democrat from Connecticut issued a public apology Thursday after newspapers reported she did not suspend or fire the chief of staff until three months after learning about allegations against him.

Earlier this week, Esty reached out to leaders of several Connecticut groups that deal with domestic and workplace violence and sexual harassment, warning them of impending news stories about her handling of the harassment allegations in 2016.

Some Republicans and the state's largest newspaper, The Hartford Courant, have called for Esty's resignation. Her Democratic congressional colleagues have offered muted criticism.