Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) sent an apology letter to Los Angeles morning show host Leeann Tweeden after allegations surfaced on Thursday that he forcibly kissed and groped her in 2006.
In an appearance on ABC’s “The View” on Friday, Tweeden read the letter from the comedian-turned-senator that offered a personal apology for his behavior while the two were on a USO tour in the Middle East.
“I don’t know what was in my head when I took that picture. But that doesn’t matter. There’s no excuse. I understand why you can feel violated by that photo,” the letter reads.
{mosads}
“I have tremendous respect for your work for the USO. And I am ashamed that my actions ruined that experience for you. I am so sorry,” she read from the letter.
Tweeden recounted her previously experience with Franken in a piece published on KABC Los Angeles’s website Thursday, in which she alleged that Franken insisted on rehearsing a kiss with her while the two were practicing for a skit they were performing. During that rehearsal, Tweeden said Franken grabbed the back of her neck and forcibly kissed her.
She also posted a photo showing Franken grabbing her breasts while she was asleep.
Franken issued a public apology after the account surfaced on Thursday, and has not made any public appearances since.