WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Al Franken is the latest public figure to be caught in the deluge of revelations of sexual harassment and misconduct— and the first member of Congress.
The Minnesota Democrat has apologized to Los Angeles radio anchor Leeann Tweeden and said he would welcome an ethics inquiry.
In a post Thursday on the KABC website, Tweeden accused Franken of forcibly kissing her and groping her during a 2006 USO tour. She later said that she accepts his apology.
Fellow Democrats have condemned Franken’s actions, mindful of the current climate as well as the prospect of political blowback. Democrats and Republicans have called for the Senate Ethics Committee to investigate.
President Donald Trump weighed in, too, saying Franken just last week was lecturing people on sexual harassment and respect for women.