New women accusing Biden of inappropriate conduct say his video statement wasn't enough
![Joe Biden](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SgjbWz4dhQRXJUXDMjqWZa-415-80.jpg)
Three more women have said that former Vice President Joe Biden made them feel uncomfortable with unwanted physical contact, and they say they're not satisfied with his new video statement.
Vail Kohnert-Yount, Sofie Karasek, and Ally Coll shared their claims against Biden with The Washington Post on Wednesday. Kohnert-Yount said she felt uncomfortable when Biden touched the back of her head and put his forehead against hers while calling her a "pretty girl." Karasek recalled a similar experience while speaking with Biden at the 2016 Oscars, saying he grabbed her hand and came within inches of her face. Coll said Biden squeezed her shoulders and held her "for a beat too long."
Seven women have now said Biden's physical contact made them uncomfortable, although none have accused him of sexual harassment or assault. Biden said in a video statement on Wednesday that he will "adjust" his behavior in light of changing "social norms."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516-320-80.jpg)
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.
But the three women The Washington Post spoke to expressed dissatisfaction with this video, with Kohnert-Yount saying that while "I appreciate" Biden's "attempt to do better," the situation is "not mainly about whether Joe Biden has adequate respect for personal space" but is about "women deserving equal respect in the workplace." Karasek said Biden "still didn't take ownership in the way that he needs to" with the video, while Coll said his video showed "a continued lack of understanding about why these stories are being told and their relevance in the #MeToo era."
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
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
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
Magazine solutions - August 2, 2024
Puzzles and Quizzes Issue - August 2, 2024
By The Week Staff Published
-
Magazine printables - August 2, 2024
Puzzles and Quizzes Issue - August 2, 2024
By The Week Staff Published
-
'In a normal country, their activities wouldn't even be crimes'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Netanyahu makes controversial address
Speed Reads Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to Congress denounced Gaza war protestors
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
The US presidents who decided not to run for a second term
The Explainer Joe Biden's decision to end his re-election campaign was shocking, but there's a long history of presidents who've bowed out on a chance at four more years
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
What has Kamala Harris done as vice president?
In Depth It's not uncommon for the second-in-command to struggle to prove themselves in a role largely defined by behind-the-scenes work
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
'Spare us the charade'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Anya Jaremko-Greenwold, The Week US Published
-
How Biden's enablers may have delayed his bowing out
Talking Points Joe Biden's inner circle faces calls for a reckoning for allegedly shielding the president — and the public — from questions of aging and electoral viability
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Biden ends reelection bid, endorses Harris
Speed Read The sitting president gave his VP full support to replace him atop the Democratic ticket
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Can Kamala Harris beat Trump?
Today's Big Question Some senior Democrats are unsure the vice-president can win in November even as party closes ranks behind her
By The Week UK Published
-
Pelosi and Obama add to doubts over Biden
Speed Read Both Democrats think the president should reconsider his reelection campaign, insiders say
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published