SAN DIEGO – Twenty-four hours after a former employee filed a lawsuit detailing sexual harassment allegations against San Diego Mayor Bob Filner, he continued to evade Fox5’s cameras and questions.

Fox5 tried to reach Filner after a closed-door City Council session Tuesday morning. All of the city officials left the chamber through the front door except Filner – he was nowhere in sight. Councilwoman Lori Zapf quietly told us he had slipped out the back door.

As mayor of the eighth largest city in the United States, it’s hard to fathom San Diego’s leader sneaking out of the back door, and yet that’s exactly what he’s been doing for the better part of two weeks as he dodges the media.

The last time Fox5 saw the mayor in public was after an award ceremony on Thursday.  He avoided cameras and several reporters’ questions.

On Monday, Irene McCormack Jackson, the mayor’s former communications director, came forward detailing allegations of sexual harassment in a lawsuit against the city. The mayor responded late Monday with a written statement.

“I do not believe these claims are valid. That is why due process is so important.  I intend to defend myself vigorously and I know that justice will prevail,” he stated.

Fox5 reporters have camped out at the mayor’s office daily since the scandal broke nearly two weeks ago. Every day,he has slipped out a back exit.

Tuesday, some citizens were demanding answers.

“Why aren’t you [Filner] ready to come clean?” San Diego resident asked. “Admit your faults. Admit what you’ve done.”

But those who support him have faith he will eventually talk.

“Give him some time, because he’s going to come out,” said a supporter. “He’s going to come out swinging.  He’s going to make it all right, and everybody is going to feel really bad for everything they’ve said about him that’s untrue.”