Rep. Tom Reed of New York says he takes “full responsibility” for sexually harassing a lobbyist back in 2017. Sort of.
The six-term Republican congressman, who doesn’t believe LGBTQ people deserve equal rights, hates trans people, and loves “religious freedom” laws, was been accused of some pretty disgusting behavior in a bombshell report published by The Washington Post on Friday.
Former lobbyist Nicolette Davis alleged that she was at a pub in Minneapolis with Reed when he unhooked her bra through her shirt then slid his hand up her thigh.
“A drunk congressman is rubbing my back,” she texted her friend and co-worker the evening it happened.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
She then claims she asked the person next to her to help. The man pulled Reed, a married father of two, away from the table and took him out of the restaurant.
After the story broke, Reed rushed out a statement, telling CNN, “This account of my actions is not accurate.”
Shortly after that, his office put out a second statement saying, actually, he accepts “full responsibility” for what happened… then he blamed the whole thing on alcohol before calling into question why Davis was bringing up all this now.
“Even though I am only hearing of this matter as stated by Ms. Davis in the article now, I hear her voice and will not dismiss her,” he said, before mentioning that he was “struggling” at the time and was “powerless over alcohol.”
Reed then said he would not seek reelection in 2022, which is actually nothing new since he pledged when he was first elected to the House that he would only serve six terms.
Ironically, he’s been one of the most vocal critics of embattled Gov. Andrew Cuomo and has called on the governor to resign amid sexual harassment allegations.
Evidently, Reed doesn’t feel his own sexual harassment allegations, which he takes “full responsibility” for, should be cause for him to resign.
Graham Gremore is the Features Editor and a Staff Writer at Queerty. Follow him on Twitter @grahamgremore.
Cam
“Ironically, he’s been one of the most vocal critics of embattled Gov. Andrew Cuomo and has called on the governor to resign amid sexual harassment allegations.”
__________________________________________
It isn’t ironic, it’s the Republican playbook. Remember, Newt Gingrich was cheating on his wife and sleeping with an employee, AND promoting her over other more deserving staff while he was trying to impeach Clinton for getting a blow-job.
Man About Town
Yes, and also that POS Mark Sanford, one of the most vocal critics of Clinton’s extramarital behavior while spending more time with his Argentine mistress than with his family. Republicans continue to be dependently puke-inducing!
Chrisk
I’m sure there are allot of sexual assaults where alcohol was in the mix. The BS comes when you use it as an excuse. Pathetic POS.
GayEGO
Well Tom Reed is a Republican, so many of them are religious bigots who hate us, probably because they are homophobics!
scotshot
SMH Deja Vu Vu Vu Vu Vu Vu…
joelk57
Republicans as always double standards and there’s always extenuating circumstances that must offset their illegal, unethical or immoral behavior…..ALWAYS?
tjack47
I think hypocrites make me angrier than almost anyone else.
humble charlie
I’m shocked that it was a female lobbyist.
HenryHawke
You expect a Republicon to take personal responsibility for their actions? Please! That’s number one in their playbook. Blame everyone and anything else for your problems. Just keep repeating Sgt. Schultz mantra from “Hogan’s Heroes,”. “I know nutzing. I see nutzing. I hear nutzing. Nutzing!”
yendor808
The road to hell is paved with republicans.