Fischer called the allegations of abuse "exaggerated beyond any level of equity" but acknowledged "physical confrontations on all sides" involving his wives. He denied anything more than common corporal punishment with his children.

"I can't say that I've been a perfect parent," he said. "That said, it is interesting that the charges of FLDS 'affidavits' trying to malign me really amount to charging me with living an FLDS lifestyle and conducting myself in accordance with the teaching of the leadership and the typical day-to-day life of FLDS adherents."

The affidavits are the latest in a family feud of sorts that erupted immediately after the Senate committee hearing concluded in Washington, D.C. Family members made the same allegations against Fischer and questioned the credibility of Carolyn Jessop, another ex-FLDS member who testified. FLDS supporters and critics argued in the hallway, loud enough that police moved the group away from the Senate offices.

The hearing was prompted by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., who is pushing for a federal task force to investigate crimes in polygamy, particularly in the FLDS Church.

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