Al Franken accuser accepts his apology

Senator Al Franken accused of sexual harassment

Senator Al Franken (D., Minn.) apologizes to radio broadcaster Leann Tweeden who claims that he forcefully kissed her while rehearsing a skit and groped her while she was asleep on a plane during a U.S.O. trip in 2006 before he took public office. Here are the shocking allegations.

Leeann Tweeden said Thursday she accepts Sen. Al Franken’s, D-Minn., apology for groping her when the two were on a USO tour in 2006, but said the senator had other chances to apologize for his behavior and never did.

“People make mistakes, and of course he knew he made a mistake," Tweeden said during a press conference. "Yes, I do accept that apology.”

Tweeden, a radio host and former sports commentator, said Thursday that Franken kissed her against her will when the two were practicing a skit as part of a USO tour in the Middle East 11 years ago. She also said Franken groped her while she slept on the flight from Afghanistan after the tour ended. A photo shows the senator, then a comedian, grinning for the camera and touching Tweeden’s breasts while she was sleeping.

Franken apologized for his behavior Thursday and said though he initially posed for the photo as a joke, he now understands why Tweeden felt violated. The Minnesota senator said he would welcome an investigation into the allegations from the Senate Ethics Committee and would cooperate with any probe.