Now this is a significantly better apology.
As we previously reported, Senator Al Franken apologized to TV host Leeann Tweeden after she accused him of groping and kissing her without consent during a ’06 USO Tour of the Middle East. Initially, the comedian turned politician attempted to downplay the scandal by noting that he didn’t “remember the rehearsal for the skit in the same way,” but offered up his “sincerest apologies” regardless.
Related: Angelina Discusses Hollywood Sexual Misconduct In Powerful Speech
The Saturday Night Live alum also apologized for the photo where he appeared to be groping Tweeden as she slept. While he defended that the picture “was clearly intended to be funny,” he acknowledged it was not. Since the initial statement, Franken has since come forward to condemn his actions and requested that an “ethics investigation be undertaken.”
He noted:
New longer @SenFranken statement: “I’m sorry” and “I am asking that an ethics investigation be undertaken, and I will gladly cooperate.” pic.twitter.com/e5hgE2Uvue
— Leigh Ann Caldwell (@LACaldwellDC) November 16, 2017
Understandably, this scandal has rocked Washington as many of Franken’s peers responded to the situation on Twitter. They wrote:
Re Al Franken: I’m shocked and concerned. The behavior described is completely unacceptable. Comedy is no excuse for inappropriate conduct, and I believe there should be an ethics investigation.
— Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc) November 16, 2017
There is never an excuse for this behavior—ever. What Senator Franken did was wrong, and it should be referred to the Ethics Committee for review.
— Senator Dick Durbin (@SenatorDurbin) November 16, 2017
Roy Moore. Innocent until proven otherwise. Al Franken. Innocent until proven otherwise. I don’t wiggle on this issue for political points. Accused doesn’t mean guilty. #franken #MooreSenate
— Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) November 16, 2017
As Hollywood has been hit with numerous sexual misconduct scandals, several celebs have weighed in on the controversy too. Some added:
This is not acceptable. Not from anybody. Dem or Republican. https://t.co/aipZzFFMsn
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) November 16, 2017
Amazing courage. @alfranken must be held accountable. Stay strong.💪🏾 https://t.co/WKGhqpcsex
— terrycrews (@terrycrews) November 16, 2017
Zero tolerance. If we don’t hold all accountable for horrible behavior — nothing changes. Sorry, @SenAlFranken you should not be in a position to represent the female constituents in your state. https://t.co/MrJi7QKCu1
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) November 16, 2017
You know I ❤️you & believe you @LeeannTweeden Wish i could’ve been there to protect you. I’m sorry but proud of you. https://t.co/UoeqCl8GwV
— Tom Arnold (@TomArnold) November 16, 2017
And sexually assaulting a sleeping woman is funny how? Who thinks that shit is funny? https://t.co/roGN1ZB4Db
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) November 16, 2017
Al Franken.
Fuck.
— Kumail Nanjiani (@kumailn) November 16, 2017
Shit like this was never funny. Ppl may have laughed, someone may have gleefully snapped that pic, but this shit was NEVER funny to women pic.twitter.com/hEFwTI51PS
— Andy Richter (@AndyRichter) November 16, 2017
We’re curious to see if Franken recovers from this pretty damning scandal. Be sure to stay tuned!
[Image via WENN.]
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