Thirty-six women affiliated with "Saturday Night Live" during Sen. Al Franken's tenure on the show have penned a letter sticking up for the beleaguered Democratic senator from Minnesota, NBC News reports.
The statement reads:
Franken is facing sexual harassment allegations after TV and radio host Leeann Tweeden accused him of groping and kissing her without consent in 2006. Also, Lindsay Menz said Monday that Franken grabbed her buttocks while taking a photo at the Minnesota State Fair.
Franken was a performer and writer on SNL in the 1970s and 80s.
"We feel compelled to stand up for Al Franken, whom we have all had the pleasure of working with over the years on Saturday Night Live (SNL)," the women wrote. "What Al did was stupid and foolish, and we think it was appropriate for him to apologize to Ms. Tweeden, and to the public. In our experience, we know Al as a devoted and dedicated family man, a wonderful comedic performer, and an honorable public servant.
"That is why we are moved to quickly and directly affirm that after years of working with him, we would like to acknowledge that not one of us ever experienced any inappropriate behavior; and mention our sincere appreciation that he treated each of us with the utmost respect and regard," they added.
Signatories included Laraine Newman and Jane Curtin, along with 34 women who worked on the show behind the scenes.
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