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BREAKING: U.S. Sen. Al Franken will resign from office in the “coming weeks” in light of a series of sexual misconduct allegations
Despite his decision, Franken will not be admitting to the stories seven women have told about him in recent weeks, starting with TV personality Leann Tweeden. Franken delivers a defiant speech. (Keep scrolling to watch the entire speech)
“Some of the allegations against me are simply not true,” Franken said. “Others I remember very differently.”
Franken said his statements about accusers had “given the false impression” that he was admitting to “doing things that, in fact, I haven’t done.” Accusations about Franken include numerous incidents of groping, and both Tweeden and a former Congressional staffer accused Franken of trying to kiss them on the lips without their consent.
“I am proud that during my time in the senate I have used my power to be a champion of women, and that I have earned a reputation as someone who respects the women I work alongside everyday. I know there’s been a very different picture of me painted during the past few weeks. But I know who I really am.”
Franken said he believed a Senate ethics investigation would have redeemed him.
“I of all people am aware that there is some irony in the fact that I am leaving while a man who has bragged on tape about his history of sexual assault sits in the Oval Office, and a man who has repeatedly preyed on young girls campaigns for the Senate, with the full support of his party.”
“I, of all people, am aware that there is some irony in the fact that I am leaving while a man who has bragged on tape about his history of sexual assault sits in the Oval Office,” Sen. Franken says. “But this decision is not about me.” https://t.co/WmT8OdZlN6 pic.twitter.com/Qvxx6B1c0O
— CBS News (@CBSNews) December 7, 2017