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In reply to the discussion: I can hardly believe the amount of power some here are willing to cede to anonymous or virtually [View all]pnwmom
(109,393 posts)83. No, according to her allegations, she didn't "refuse" to do anything. That was the problem.
http://www.kabc.com/2017/11/16/leeann-tweeden-on-senator-al-franken/
This isn't true. She had been a performer in previous USO shows, just like she was a performer in this one -- in multiple skits, not just Franken's.
This is the claim her CHARACTER made in the skit itself.
She said ok so he would stop "badgering" her. She didn't say no. For the tongue part, we just have to take her word on it -- and based on the rest of her statement, she doesn't seem credible to me.
As a TV host and sports broadcaster, as well as a model familiar to the audience from the covers of FHM, Maxim and Playboy, I was only expecting to emcee and introduce the acts, but Franken said he had written a part for me that he thought would be funny, and I agreed to play along.
This isn't true. She had been a performer in previous USO shows, just like she was a performer in this one -- in multiple skits, not just Franken's.
When I saw the script, Franken had written a moment when his character comes at me for a kiss. I suspected what he was after, but I figured I could turn my head at the last minute, or put my hand over his mouth, to get more laughs from the crowd.
This is the claim her CHARACTER made in the skit itself.
On the day of the show Franken and I were alone backstage going over our lines one last time. He said to me, We need to rehearse the kiss. I laughed and ignored him. Then he said it again. I said something like, Relax Al, this isnt SNL
we dont need to rehearse the kiss.
He continued to insist, and I was beginning to get uncomfortable.
He repeated that actors really need to rehearse everything and that we must practice the kiss. I said OK so he would stop badgering me. We did the line leading up to the kiss and then he came at me, put his hand on the back of my head, mashed his lips against mine and aggressively stuck his tongue in my mouth.
He continued to insist, and I was beginning to get uncomfortable.
He repeated that actors really need to rehearse everything and that we must practice the kiss. I said OK so he would stop badgering me. We did the line leading up to the kiss and then he came at me, put his hand on the back of my head, mashed his lips against mine and aggressively stuck his tongue in my mouth.
She said ok so he would stop "badgering" her. She didn't say no. For the tongue part, we just have to take her word on it -- and based on the rest of her statement, she doesn't seem credible to me.
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I can hardly believe the amount of power some here are willing to cede to anonymous or virtually [View all]
Atticus
Nov 2017
OP
As liberals we are invested in the idea that women claiming harassment should be believed.
The Velveteen Ocelot
Nov 2017
#2
And the people here posting pictures of Tweeden as proof she's slutty and thus consented?
mythology
Nov 2017
#49
I was quite outspoken in what I posted about the Tweeden allegations and the various photos.
Denzil_DC
Nov 2017
#63
People post picture at the same event to show she was just fine after this horrifying event...
Demsrule86
Nov 2017
#130
Anonymous complaints can't be scrutinized at all. They can come from anyone,
The Velveteen Ocelot
Nov 2017
#17
You do understand that the journalists will have scrutinized these claims right?
mythology
Nov 2017
#51
Yes, I realize that HuffPo published an article I don't think meets journalistic standards.
Denzil_DC
Nov 2017
#66
Innocent until proven guilty...why should you assume they are telling the truth? Any allegation has
Demsrule86
Nov 2017
#133
My brother met a woman online...they are riding along going somewhere when she calls cops and
Demsrule86
Nov 2017
#131
That was precisely one of the things that helped make up my mind to defend him
stevenleser
Nov 2017
#10
The other two were late at night and I thought it might be the alcohol talking
njhoneybadger
Nov 2017
#45
Nah,Denzil's reply does not explain why he did't say I never grabbed any women's ass
njhoneybadger
Nov 2017
#48
And sadly it's not illegal in certain states to go forcibly south of the waist...
moriah
Nov 2017
#77
How can anyone deny an accusation when there is no accuser? He's asked for an investigation.
pnwmom
Nov 2017
#52
IKR? Is sexual assault such a "sacred" experience that Dems can't believe...
Beartracks
Nov 2017
#16
It seems to keep being left out of the conversation that being lecherous may be a
world wide wally
Nov 2017
#25
If Franken did the groping as alleged by the two most recent two, we gain nothing by allowing him to
Blue_true
Nov 2017
#85
I agree with most of this, but I don't agree that we should take anonymous stories seriously
pnwmom
Nov 2017
#53
When women are equal to men, and can safely make reports of sexual abuse without fear
Ms. Toad
Nov 2017
#75
Roy Moore's accusers were willing to come forward, because it was worth it to them.
pnwmom
Nov 2017
#76
No, according to her allegations, she didn't "refuse" to do anything. That was the problem.
pnwmom
Nov 2017
#83
She voluntarily signed up for a job that involved performing a skit that had been performed
pnwmom
Nov 2017
#97
You say we should take our lead from him because he doesn't dispute her emotional experience.
Demit
Nov 2017
#89
"his recollection of the rehearsal did not match hers" means he disputes her version of events.
Demit
Nov 2017
#102
I can't believe people don't see how women who speak out are treated and then wonder why they want
WhiskeyGrinder
Nov 2017
#37
Next time a poster on DU accuses a public figure of sexual assault, let us know what you think then.
Demit
Nov 2017
#93
Really...Have you Not seen the posts claiming it's all a Russian hack job?
AncientGeezer
Nov 2017
#103
"Franken issues Thanksgiving Day apology, pledges to regain constituents' trust"
brooklynite
Nov 2017
#101
The Dems calling for the resignation of Franken and Conyers before an Ethics Investigation
TheDebbieDee
Nov 2017
#107
Let them come forward in a court of law and swear u dear oath that it's so
Thekaspervote
Nov 2017
#135