Three dozen women who worked on “Saturday Night Live” in the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s said they support embattled Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., and said he never sexually harassed any of them during his time on the show.
But they did say what Franken made a mistake by sexually assaulting Leeann Tweeden during a USO show in the Middle East in 2006.
“What Al did was stupid and foolish, and we think it was appropriate for him to apologize to Ms. Tweeden, and to the public,” they wrote in an open statement.
“In our experience, we know Al as a devoted and dedicated family man, a wonderful comedic performer, and an honorable public servant,” they wrote. “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.”
Signatories to the letter include original “Saturday Night Live” cast members Jane Curtin and Laraine Newman.
Franken agreed to an Ethics Committee investigation of his behavior, although that panel rarely punishes any lawmaker.
In additional Tweeden, a second woman has come forward to say Franken “put his hand full-fledged on my rear” while she was taking a picture with him.
