Moore accuser: ‘Absolutely not’ paid to publicly tell her story
WASHINGTON — A woman accusing Alabama candidate for U.S. Senate RoyMoore of initiating sexual contactwhenshewas 14 said Monday in her first television interview that shewanted to confront him years ago but didn’t because he was powerful and the encounter gutted her selfconfidence. She said she came forward to tell her story only after other women agreed to.
The declaration by Leigh Corfman comes after Moore’s supporters claimed without evidence that reporters were offering thousands of dollars to women for accusations. The state election is being closely watched, as several GOP senators have called Moore to drop out, and President Donald Trump remains mostly quiet on the issue.
Corfman said she was “absolutely not” paid to tell her story publicly.
“My bank account has not flourished,” Corfman told NBC’s “Today” show. “If anything it’s gone down because I’m notworking.”
Corfman said Moore’s stature in Alabama — he was a noted attorney who wentontobecome apowerful judge — prevented her from coming forward years ago. But, she says, she did confide in close friends immediately after the incident and told family members later as an adult. “It took years for me to regain a sense of confidence in myself, and I felt guilty. I felt like Iwas the one to blame.”
Moore has denied allegations of sexual misconduct.
In the NBC interview, she said Moore took her to his house, where he put blankets on his living room, removed their clothing and touched her. She said she told him she wasn’t comfortable, and he eventually agreed to take her home.
Corfman says she agreed to share details only after The Washington Post sought her out and gave her assurances she wasn’t the only one accusingMoore of misconduct.