Former President George H. W. Bush on Wednesday issued a formal apology to Heather Lind after the actress claimed Bush touched her inappropriately and told her a lewd joke during a photo opportunity four years ago.
“President Bush would never — under any circumstance — intentionally cause anyone distress, and he most sincerely apologizes if his attempt at humor offended Ms. Lind,” Bush’s spokesman Jim McGrath said in a written statement to USA Today.
The AMC “Turn: Washington’s Spies” star opened up about the incident in a now-deleted Instagram post published Tuesday, which she wrote after seeing the 93-year-old former president’s appearance at the One America Appeal for hurricane relief event on Saturday.
More: George H.W. Bush says he would have sung with Lady Gaga if asked
Five ex-presidents gather in Texas for One America Appeal
“When I got the chance to meet George H. W. Bush four years ago to promote a historical television show I was working on, he sexually assaulted me while I was posing for a similar photo,” Lind wrote, using the “Me Too” hashtag sparked by the ongoing Harvey Weinstein-Hollywood controversy.
“He didn’t shake my hand,” Lind continued. “He touched me from behind from his wheelchair with his wife Barbara Bush by his side. He told me a dirty joke. And then, all the while being photographed, touched me again.”
Barbara Bush “rolled her eyes as if to say ‘not again'” in response to the encounter and that a security guard told her she “shouldn’t have stood next to him for the photo,” Lind wrote.
“My fellow cast mates and producers helped me that day and continue to support me,” she added. “I am grateful for the bravery of other women who have spoken up and written about their experiences.”
