GOP senators turn on Roy Moore after sexual misconduct allegations


The Washington Post published an explosive report Thursday, detailing interviews with four women in which they revealed that Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore pursued relationships with them when they were teenagers. Moore, a former judge who is the Republican candidate for Senate in Alabama, reportedly kissed two of the women, initiated sexual contact with a third, and asked the fourth repeatedly for dates.
Moore categorically denied the allegations in a statement to the Post, saying: "These allegations are completely false and are a desperate political attack by the National Democrat Party and The Washington Post on this campaign." The Post also noted that "none of the women say that Moore forced them into any sort of relationship or sexual contact."
Still, Republican leaders were quick to distance themselves from the 70-year-old candidate, with several — including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) — saying Moore should withdraw from the race if the allegations are true.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Republican Sen. John McCain (Ariz.), meanwhile, said the allegations themselves were "deeply disturbing and disqualifying" and called for Moore to "immediately step aside," without the caveat of whether the allegations are proven to be true.
The Alabama election is Dec. 12. Moore is currently polling roughly 6 points ahead of his opponent, Democrat Doug Jones.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Kimberly Alters is the news editor at TheWeek.com. She is a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
Make mine a soju and tonic: the rise of Korea's favourite spirit
The Week Recommends The rice-based drink can replace gin or vodka in traditional cocktails for a refreshing twist on the classics
-
The full moon calendar for every month
In depth When to see the lunar phenomenon every month
-
The end of WeightWatchers
Talking Point The diet brand has filed for bankruptcy in the US as it struggles to survive in era of weight-loss jabs
-
British warship repels 'largest Houthi attack to date' in the Red Sea
Speed read Western allies warn of military response to Iranian-backed Yemeni rebels if attacks on ships continue
-
Houthi rebels claim Red Sea ship attacks
speed read Iran-backed Yemeni group vows to escalate aggression towards Israel-linked vessels in revenge for Gaza war
-
Israel plans next phase of Gaza war as first hostages released
Speed read After four-day ceasefire 'we will not stop' until destruction of Hamas, says Israel
-
Mob storms Russian airport 'looking for Jews'
Speed Read Plane from Israel surrounded by rioters chanting antisemitic slogans after landing in Russia's Dagestan region
-
Tuberville's military promotions block is upending lives, combat readiness, 3 military branch chiefs say
Speed Read
-
Ukraine's counteroffensive is making incremental gains. Does it matter in the broader war?
Speed Read
-
US commissions first-ever Navy ship in a foreign port
Speed Read
-
British spy chief, Wagner video suggest Prigozhin is alive and freely 'floating around'
Speed Read