Kirsten Gillibrand

[Cirsium]

29. Franken

I find Franken to be far more credible than his accusers.

“I certainly don’t remember the rehearsal for the skit in the same way, but I send my sincerest apologies… As to the photo, it was clearly intended to be funny but wasn’t. I shouldn’t have done it.”

“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. There’s more I want to say, but the first and most important thing – and if it’s the only thing you care to hear, that’s fine – is: I’m sorry. And the truth is, what people think of me in light of this is far less important than what people think of women who continue to come forward to tell their stories. They deserve to be heard and believed. And they deserve to know that I am their ally and supporter. I have let them down and am committed to making it up to them.”

“I take thousands of photos at the state fair surrounded by hundreds of people, and I certainly don’t remember taking this picture. I feel badly that Ms. Menz came away from our interaction feeling disrespected.”

“It’s difficult to respond to anonymous accusers, and I don’t remember those campaign events.”

“I can categorically say that I did not proposition anyone to join me in any bathroom.”

"This allegation is categorically not true and the idea that I would claim this as my right as an entertainer is preposterous. I look forward to fully cooperating with the ongoing ethics committee investigation.”