Bob Filner announced his resignation Friday as San Diego’s 35th mayor following a tumultuous six weeks in which lurid allegations of repeated sexual misconduct against women crippled his ability to lead and turned him into a subject of national ridicule.

Filner will step down on Aug. 30 as part of a deal approved by the City Council on a 7-0 vote Friday that limits his legal and financial exposure stemming from a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by a former aide.

In a dramatic appearance before the council, Filner apologized to his few remaining supporters and the women he offended while at the same remaining defiant that he did nothing wrong. He blamed the downtown business establishment, the media and his fellow elected officials for concocting a political coup to force his exit.