Democratic Rep. Keith Ellison invites investigation into ex-girlfriend's claims of domestic abuse

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) says an investigation into domestic abuse allegations would find him innocent.

Ellison's ex-girlfriend accused him of physical and emotional abuse in August, which the Democrat flatly denied. BuzzFeed News reports that Ellison on Wednesday joined his Democratic colleagues in calling for a House investigation of the allegations.

"I will submit a request for a House Ethics Committee investigation into allegations against me raised by a former partner," said Ellison. "I am taking this step now because I am innocent and eager to see this entire matter resolved."

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He won the Democratic primary for Minnesota attorney general just days after his ex-girlfriend, Karen Monahan, said he verbally berated her and once tried to drag her off a bed. Calling the allegations "unsubstantiated," Ellison said a formal probe would "allow us to move on." Other lawmakers, like Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), have said that Ellison's conduct should be investigated.

An independent attorney has already completed a probe of the allegations, and Ellison said the results "should be made public soon." Read more at BuzzFeed News.