Franken quits after sexual misconduct claim

WASHINGTON: US Senator Al Franken said Thursday he will resign in the face of multiple accusations of sexual misconduct, becoming the second prominent Democrat forced out in a week over the snowballing harassment allegations convulsing the country.

But in an emotional and defiant address from the Senate floor, the comedian-turned-lawmaker also delivered a parting shot at President Donald Trump and Republican politician Roy Moore, who is running for the Senate despite being accused of molesting teenagers.

Facing a groundswell of demands to resign from within his own party ranks, Franken acknowledged his position had become untenable, but also insisted he remained a ‘champion’ of women and that some of the accusations against him ‘ are simply not true’.

“There’s been a very different picture of me painted over the last few weeks,” said the 66-year- old Minnesota lawmaker. “But I know who I really am.”

“I know in my heart that nothing I have done as a senator — nothing — has brought dishonour on this institution.

“Nevertheless, today I am announcing that in the coming weeks, I will be resigning as a member of the US Senate.”

The once- popular lawmaker, who made his name on the latenight comedy show ‘ Saturday Night Live’, last month acknowledged and apologised for one incident of sexual misconduct, vowing to work to regain public trust.

The allegation, dating back to 2006, was made by sports broadcaster and former model Leeann Tweeden, who said Franken forcibly kissed her, and touched her through a flak jacket as she slept, during a tour entertaining US troops deployed in Afghanistan.

But with six other women since reportedly coming forward to accuse Franken of touching them inappropriately, Democrats told him it was time to go. — AFP