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Franken Calls for Ethics Investigation Into Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Him

Al Franken / Getty
November 16, 2017

Democratic Sen. Al Franken (Minn.) said Thursday that he supports calls for an investigation into the allegation that he groped and kissed a woman without her consent in 2006.

KABC anchor Leeann Tweeden wrote Thursday that the former SNL comedian kissed her without consent during a rehearsal while they were both on a USO trip overseas. In her story, Tweeden also included an image of Franken grabbing her breasts while she was asleep on the flight back.

In response, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) called for an investigation into Franken's conduct.

"I believe the Ethics Committee should review the matter," he said in a brief statement, calling the claims "credible."

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) agreed.

"I hope and expect that the Ethics Committee will fully investigate this troubling incident, as they should with any credible allegation of sexual harassment," he said.

After an initial statement in which Franken apologized and said the photo showing him groping Tweeden was "intended to be funny," the senator releases a second, longer statement apologizing and acquiescing to the calls for an ethics investigation.

"While I don't remember the rehearsal for the skit as Leeann does, I understand why we need to listen to and believe women's experiences," the Minnesota senator wrote.

"I am asking that an ethics investigation be undertaken, and I will gladly cooperate," Franken concluded.