United States Democratic Senator Al Franken announced on Thursday that he was stepping down after facing allegations of sexual misconduct, Reuters reported.
Franken, 66, was a former Saturday Night Live comedian. While making his announcement on the Senate floor, Franken denied some of the allegations against him. He also asked how leaders like President Donald Trump and other Republicans had survived far worse accusations, AP reported.
“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,” AP quoted Franken as saying.
Franken said “all women deserve to be heard” but asserted that some accusations against him were untrue. “I know in my heart that nothing I’ve done as a senator – nothing – has brought dishonour on this institution,” he said, according to Reuters.
Hours later, Republican Representative Trent Franks, who faces ethics charges, also said he was resigning. Franks’ resignation comes after two former staff members complained about discussions he had with them about finding a surrogate mother. “I deeply regret that my discussion of this option and process in the workplace caused distress,” Franks said, according to Reuters.
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