Another woman has come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct by Democratic Senator Al Franken, claiming the liberal lawmaker inappropriately “grabbed” her in 2010; the first accusation of harassment while serving in the US Senate.
Linsay Menz, a 33-year old woman from Texas, said Franken inappropriately grabbed her buttocks while taking a photo at the Minnesota State Fair, adding the incident left her feeling “uncomfortable” and “gross.”
“It was wrapped tightly around my butt cheek,” she said. “It wasn’t around my hip or side. It was definitely on my butt.”
Sen. Franken released a statement regarding the allegations on Monday, saying he “felt bad” that the woman came away from the experience “feeling disrespected,” adding that he “takes thousands of photos” during events.
“I take thousands of photos at the state fair surrounded by hundreds of people, and I certainly don’t recall taking this picture,” Franken said. “I feel badly that Ms. Menz came away from our interaction feeling disrespected.”
The accusation comes days after a news anchor accused Franken of sexually assaulting her while touring the Middle East as part of a USO comedy series, saying the liberal lawmaker forcibly kissed her and groped her while sleeping.