Former Dem rep fired by Morgan Stanley after harassment investigation

Former Rep. Harold Ford Jr. (D-Tenn.) was fired from his job at Morgan Stanley after an investigation into a harassment complaint from a female co-worker, HuffPost reported Thursday.

The woman, who requested to remain anonymous, alleged that Ford forcibly grabbed her one evening in New York City several years ago. She also accused Ford of harassment and intimidation, according to HuffPost.

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A spokeswoman for Morgan Stanley confirmed Ford’s firing, telling the news outlet he was terminated “for conduct inconsistent with our values and in violation of our policies.”

Ford denied the alleged incident took place, saying in a statement posted by a CNN reporter that he has “never forcibly grabbed any woman or man in my life.”

“I support and have tremendous respect for the brave women now speaking out in this important national dialogue,” Ford said. “False claims like this undermine the real silence breakers.”

Ford threatened legal action against Morgan Stanley for improper termination and against the reporter behind the HuffPo story for making false claims.

The report comes amid a wave of sexual misconduct allegations in recent weeks against prominent politicians. Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.) and Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) both resigned this week in the face of multiple allegations of sexual misconduct.

Ford was elected to the House in 1996 and took office at the age of 26. He served until 2006, when he ran a failed Senate campaign. He previously served as the chairman of the Democratic Leadership Council.

Ford’s father, Harold Ford Sr., served in Congress for more than two decades before retiring and being replaced by his son.

This story was updated at 2 P.M. EST