GALLATIN, Tenn. (WKRN) -- It’s been one week since Gallatin councilwoman Eileen George announced her resignation after alleged bullying from fellow council member Pascal Jouvence.
Now, Jouvence said he sent a "cease and desist" to George. He claims her comments were “defamatory” and lacking proof, insisting he never bullied her.
“All we ask her is to come back, say the truth, retract her statement about us,” Jouvence told News 2 on Tuesday. “I know what my constituents say and again, it’s politics. If people reach out to you and aren’t happy…take it and try and do better, or just put it behind.”
Since George’s resignation and harassment claims from Tuesday, June 4, Jouvence has worked to debunk this allegation, even updating his website to show his conversations with/about George, dating back to 2021.
George told News 2 the examples of harassment were sent to Gallatin police and mainly done by Jouvence’s supporters online. She said over the phone, “I'm not interested in playing his games,” adding that Jouvence is “very good at manipulation.”
Jouvence is ready to move forward with his job, but said, “I will not let lies like that go on forever because you have to stand for the truth.”
“We gave her plenty of time to come back and say, you know, that was not true, to bring us a bunch of proof, but she did not. People who know me know I don’t keep a grudge, but I will go all the way to defend what’s right,” Jouvence added.
As for what his thoughts are on replacing George on the board, Jouvence said he already has one candidate in mind to fill the seat until August’s election: George’s predecessor, Steve Camp.
“He was there before, he was elected before, and that’s what makes sense. Now, who will they bring forward, I have no idea,” said Jouvence.
In a statement to News 2 on Tuesday, June 11, Gallatin Mayor Paige Brown wrote this about their current situation:
“I am saddened that this is the current conversation about our city. A conflict exists where one party resigned because of words and actions and another party feels wrongly accused. I hate for anyone to feel hurt and I hope we all can be more considerate of how we treat others in the future. I look forward to a more positive story to tell about Gallatin someday soon.”
Gallatin’s city council will convene again on Tuesday, June 18.