Sen. Al Franken wants an ethics probe — of himself.
The former “Saturday Night Live” star on Tuesday attempted to get ahead of allegations that he sexually assaulted a former Playboy Playmate — joining Senate leaders from both sides of the aisle calling for an investigation.
“I am asking that an ethics investigation be undertaken, and I will gladly cooperate,” the Minnesota Democrat said in a statement after Leeann Tweeden accused him of forcibly kissing her during a 2006 USO tour — and released a damning photo that appears to show him groping her while she slept.
The unusual statement came as both Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer demanded an investigation.
“As with all credible allegations of sexual harassment or assault, I believe the Ethics Committee should review the matter. I hope the Democratic leader will join me on this,” McConnell said.
In Franken’s statement — a follow-up to a widely criticized brief apology released earlier Thursday — the former funnyman apologized more effusively to Tweeden for his actions.
“The first thing I want to do is apologize; to Leeann, to everyone else who was part of that tour, to everyone who has worked for me, to everyone I represent and to everyone who counts on me to be an ally and supporter and champion of women,” he said.
“I respect women, I don’t respect men who don’t. And the fact that my own actions have given people a good reason to doubt that makes me feel ashamed.”
Franken said he doesn’t remember the kiss — part of a rehearsal for the USO show — as Tweeden does, but he understands “why we need to listen to and believe women’s experience.”
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand had said Franken’s earlier statement — in which he dismissed the photo as “clearly intended to be funny” — was insufficient and that she believes Tweeden’s accusations, but wouldn’t comment on whether her Democratic colleague should resign, according to The Hill.
“I expect to hear more from Sen. Franken on this issue,” Gillibrand said.