Embattled Senator Franken apologizes for sexual misconduct
US Democratic Senator Al Franken, who is facing a growing number of allegations of sexual misconduct, has apologized for his past behavior on Thanksgiving Day.
In an apology statement issued on Thursday night, Franken promised to win back the trust of voters in Minnesota, a day after two more women stepped forward with sexual assault accusations against the top Democrat.
“I feel terribly that I’ve made some women feel badly and for that I am so sorry, and I want to make sure that never happens again,” he said in a Thanksgiving message.
“And let me say again to Minnesotans that I’m sorry for putting them through this and I’m committed to regaining their trust,” he stated.
Franken did not say whether or not he planned to step down, but a spokesperson for the senator stated on Thursday that the lawmaker had no plans to resign.
The Democrat tried to say that some of his conduct with women might have been misjudged.
"I'm a warm person; I hug people. I've learned from recent stories that in some of those encounters, I crossed a line for some women -- and I know that any number is too many."
The statement came after Huff Post reported on Wednesday that two more women had accused the senator of inappropriately touching them during his first campaign for the Senate in 2008.
Franken responded to the new report in a statement addressed to the Huffington Post, saying he could not confirm “anonymous accusers.”
“It’s difficult to respond to anonymous accusers, and I don’t remember those campaign events,” he said. “I can categorically say that I did not proposition anyone to join me in any bathroom.”
The United States grapples with the sexual assault and harassment scandals that have left the world of entertainment, business and politics in a state of shock.
The unfolding debacle has so far engulfed big names such as Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein, renowned interviewer Charlie Rose and award-winning actor Kevin Spacey as well as politicians like Republican Senate hopeful Roy Moore.
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