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Jim says that his and Golan's relationship had some turbulent times in the past and that he didn't want to see the warning signs that something was very wrong. Golan could be demanding, Jim says.
Although he once questioned his plan to bring Golan to the United States, Jim says he never wavered. After Golan came aboard Jim's campaign, other workers complained about working with him. "There weren't many who liked him," Jim says.
It wasn't until later that Jim says he came to believe that Golan loved power more than he loved Jim. "I wanted to believe in my core sense that he loved me for being me," Jim says.
Jim admits that had it not been for an alleged blackmail plot by Golan to reveal his secret life, he probably would have never confessed.
"I don't think I would have ever had the courage to come out of the closet," Jim says. "This was a major course correction in my life."
Oprah Show producers attempted to contact Golan Cipel through his attorney for comment. Their calls and emails were not returned.
It's important to note that Golan has stated publicly that he was sexually harassed. He has also denied that he ever attempted to blackmail Jim and he also says he never filed any lawsuits against Jim. Golan was investigated for extortion, but he hasn't been charged. He's insisted publicly that he is not gay and he contends that he had a non-consensual sexual relationship with Jim.
When asked how Jim feels about Golan's statements, he says, "It is what it is. I know in my heart what the truth was."
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