Drama Unfolds At Barry News Conference

A spokesperson for D.C. City Councilmember Marion Barry called a late-night news conference Tuesday to give a statement in his defense in regard to stalking accusations made against him, but that statement was quickly interrupted by none other than Barry's accuser.

Just moments after Barry's spokesperson, Natalie Williams, began speaking, Donna Watts-Brighthaupt—Barry's former girlfriend who has claimed the former mayor allegedly stalked her— shouted out. Watts showed up outside the Wilson Building when she apparently heard a statement was going to be made.

Barry was arrested Saturday by U.S. Park Police after Watts claimed he was stalking her. Since then, reports had been made about how Watts, who was Barry's former girlfriend, was employed by Barry using taxpayer money after the two began dating.

On Tuesday evening during the statement, Williams said Watts, 40, was mentally unstable. She said that Watts has admitted that she is currently seeing a local psychiatrist, and has been diagnosed with compulsive behavior disorder and clinical depression. Williams also repeated that the charges against Barry are false.

"Ms. Watts should not be believed," said Williams. "Her allegations against Mr. Barry are simply not true. They are lies."

As Williams made the statement, Watts shouted out that what Williams was saying about her wasn't true.

"It looks like they're scared of something, aren't they?" Watts told FOX 5 after getting back into her vehicle. "I haven't said anything—they've still got to do this? I must be bad."

Watts eventually left the scene. But Williams continued, running through details of a contract given to Watts by Barry in September 2008. Williams said it was for $60,000 to be dispersed in increments of $5,000 per month, and was for the project entitled Emerging Leaders. Williams said the project was designed to develop a program to identify and develop the next leaders of Ward 8.

Williams said Watts was given the contract because of her qualifications for the job, and it was done legally and under the guidelines of the city council.

"It is not unusual, nor is it illegal, for councilmembers to award contracts to supporters or family members who qualify or can provide the services that are required," Williams said.

You can watch the full, unedited statement made by Williams by clicking on the video to the left.