Democratic Sen. Al Franken spoke out about sexual misconduct allegations against him Sunday, saying that he is “embarrassed and ashamed.”
Speaking to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Franken said, “I’m embarrassed and ashamed. I’ve let a lot of people down and I’m hoping I can make it up to them and gradually regain their trust.” (RELATED: Al Franken’s Evolving Responses To Sexual Harassment Allegations)
However, he also insisted that he would be “getting back to work tomorrow.”
Franken has been accused of inappropriate sexual behavoir, including allegations that he groped women’s breasts and butts and “forcibly kissed” a woman during a USO tour. (RELATED: Woman Accuses Senator Al Franken Of Molesting Her During USO Tour)
One accuser, Leeann Tweeden, produced a photo of Franken groping her breast area while she slept:
.@LeeannTweeden writes, “You…grabbed my breasts while I was sleeping and had someone take a photo of you doing it, knowing I would see it later, and be ashamed.”
The only person who should be ashamed in this photo is @SenFranken pic.twitter.com/sjHpwC9HKL
— Amber Athey (@amber_athey) November 16, 2017
Franken addressed that photo in Sunday’s interview as well, saying “what my intention was doesn’t matter. What matters is that I am chained to that photo.”
“She…didn’t have any ability to consent. She had every right to feel violated by that photo. I have apologized to her and I was very grateful that she accepted my apology,” he added.
The senator has called for a Senate Ethics Committee investigation into himself. However, he apparently has no plans to step down from his position despite some on the left calling for it.