IMF Chief Apologizes for Affair, Is Under Probe

Dominque Strauss-Kahn, the married managing director for the International Monetary Fund, apologized to his colleagues today for an affair he had with Piroska Nagy, an economist formerly with the IMF.

As a result of the affair, Strauss-Kahn, 59, is being investigated for abuse of power.

The revelation of the affair and ensuing probe come as the IMF is playing a key role in the global financial crisis.

"I want to apologize to the staff member concerned for my error in initiating this relationship," Strauss-Kahn wrote in an e-mail to IMF staffers. "She is a talented economist and consummate professional. I acknowledge and regret the difficult situation this has created for her. I also apologize to my wife and family."

The IMF's executive board has hired an outside lawyer to investigate the relationship to determine if Strauss-Kahn's actions were illegal or improper. He is a French national.

Strauss-Kahn is married to Anne Sinclair, one of France's best-known television personalities. On her blog, she said she still loves her husband and called l'affair a one-night stand.

The Hungarian-born Nagy, who also is married, left the IMF in August.

-- Frank Ahrens