Who is former lobbyist Nicolette Davis and how is she connected to Tom Reed?
REPUBLICAN Representative Tom Reed of New York has been accused of sexual misconduct by a former lobbyist Nicolette Davis.
In a statement, Reed claimed that he had not heard of the allegations made by Davis prior to a Washington Post article, but "takes full responsibility".
Who is former lobbyist Nicolette Davis and how is she connected to Tom Reed?
In an article published by the Post on March 19, Davis claimed to be a 25-year-old lobbyist for the insurance company Aflac.
She recalled the incident with Rep Reed take place at an Irish pub in Minneapolis in 2017.
At the time, Reed was 45-years-old.
According to Davis, Reed had rubbed her back, put his hand outside her blouse, and unhooked her bra strap.
She also claims the congressman moved his hand to her thigh and was inching upward.
Davis told the paper that she texted a friend and co-worker at Aflac that evening, saying, "A drunk congressman is rubbing my back. HELP HELP."
Reed was reportedly pulled away from the table and out of the restaurant by a person seated next to Davis.
Has Tom Reed responded to the claims?
Reed, 49, apologized to the David on March 21, and announced that he will not run for reelection next year.
Reed said in a statement that the incident occurred “at a time in my life in which I was struggling.”
He said he entered treatment that year and realized he was “powerless over alcohol.”
He apologized to his wife and children, and to Davis, and said he planned “to dedicate my time and attention to making amends for my past actions.”
"I hear her voice and will not dismiss her. In reflection, my personal depiction of this event is irrelevant.
"Simply put, my behavior caused her pain, showed her disrespect and was unprofessional. I was wrong, I am sorry, and I take full responsibility," he said.
Has Reed been critical about Andrew Cuomo's sexual harassment claims?
Reed had reportedly been considering a run for Governor of New York next year and had been largely critical of Gov Andrew Cuomo's own sexual harassment allegations.
Reed called for Cuomo's resignation after several women came forward with allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct.
Cuomo has strongly denied these allegations and is refusing to step down from office.
Cuomo has now been accused by eight women of sexual harassment or inappropriate behavior.
An independent investigation by New York Attorney General Letitia James against Cuomo is currently underway.
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