Biden hugs union leader at the start of speech and jokes 'I had permission'

Joe Biden.
(Image credit: Alex Wong / Getty Images)

Former Vice President Joe Biden on Friday joked about being accused of inappropriate physical contact at the start of his first speech since numerous women came forward with complaints.

Biden spoke to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers on Friday and as he came on stage hugged the organization's president, Lonnie Stephenson. "I just want you know, I had permission to hug Lonnie," Biden told the audience. The remark prompted laughter and cheers.

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Brendan Morrow

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.