Harassed by Jesse: journalist

A JOURNALIST claims civil rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson and director John Singleton made inappropriate comments and advances toward her while she was doing her job.

Danielle Young, writing for The Root, said that she and her colleagues lined up to have their picture taken with Jackson (top photo) after he delivered the keynote speech at a media company meeting.

“His eyes scanned my entire body. All of a sudden, I felt naked in my sweater and jeans,” she recalled. “As I walked within arm’s reach of him, Jackson reached out a hand and grabbed my thigh, saying, ‘I like all of that right there!’ and gave my thigh a tight squeeze.” The reporter said she was too shocked to react and giggled uncomfortably as he “pulled me closer.”

Young said representatives of Jackson issued a statement claiming that while Jackson didn’t recall meeting her, “He profoundly and sincerely regrets any pain Ms. Young may have experienced.”

In June, Young said that when she interviewed Singleton (bottom photo) at the American Black Film Festival, he grabbed her by the wrist, drawing her nearer, and said, “Bring that juiciness over here.”

Reps for Singleton did not return a request for comment.