He did not deny it. It was trivial to deduce there was some substance to it. He had motive. He had opportunity. I would rather a public figure say nothing that lie. He said nothing and now seems to be telling the truth (as much as he can without additional legal jeopardy).
Ah, therein lies the rub.....
No doubt he needed a lawyer, and still does. But it lessens his candor when any statement he makes on this subject is run through a lawyer.