Conyers steps down from Judiciary Committee leadership amid sexual harassment allegations

Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.) on Sunday announced he is stepping down from his position as ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee amid sexual harassment accusations.

"I deny these allegations, many of which were raised by documents reportedly paid for by a partisan alt-right blogger," Conyers said in a statement. "I very much look forward to vindicating myself and my family before the House Committee on Ethics." The committee opened an investigation after BuzzFeed News reported Conyers paid thousands to settle with a former employee who was fired after she refused to "succumb to [his] sexual advances."

Earlier Sunday, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) called Conyers "an icon in our country" and expressed her confidence he would "do the right thing." Read Conyers' full statement below. Bonnie Kristian

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