Sen. Al Franken gives first public interviews since sexual harassment allegations: 'I am embarrassed and ashamed'

Sen. Al Franken has spoken publicly for the first time since allegations were made.

(Image credit: WCCO)

On Sunday, Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) made his first televised comments since being accused of sexual harassment, with his appearance coming eight days after radio host Leeann Tweeden said Franken kissed and groped her during a 2006 USO tour. In the intervening days, additional women have accused Franken of inappropriately touching them during photo ops. "I've let the people down," Franken told CBS Minnesota. "I've let the people of Minnesota down … I am embarrassed and ashamed."

"I've been a champion for women, and I know this makes this all the harder," Franken added. "I know I'm not going to regain their trust immediately. There's no magic words I can say here to make that happen."

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Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.