Alyssa Milano: Tara Reade's allegations 'concern me, deeply,' but 'I still support Joe Biden'
Alyssa Milano in a new op-ed says she is "deeply" concerned about Tara Reade's allegation of sexual assault against former Vice President Joe Biden, calling on the presumptive Democratic nominee, who she continues to support, to face the claims "head-on."
The actress and activist in a Deadline op-ed addressed Reade's allegation that Biden sexually assaulted her in the early 1990s when she worked for him in the Senate, which a former neighbor of Reade's recently said she told her about in the 1990s. Milano has endorsed Biden for president and in the Deadline piece reiterates that "I still support" him, arguing for Biden as the "best choice" for "a more equal future."
She goes on to write, however, "The allegations against Joe Biden concern me, deeply. He's a man I know, respect, and admire, and who I can't picture doing any of the things of which he's accused. But I've thought that before, and been wrong." Milano also calls upon Biden to "face the allegation head-on, answer every question, and admit any wrongdoing, and to be the example for all men who face these kinds of accusations whether founded or not."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
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.
Although Biden's campaign has denied Reade's allegation, he has not personally addressed it. On Wednesday, The Washington Post's editorial board called upon Biden to do so, as well as to release relevant Senate records. The Post writes, "the way to signal he takes Ms. Reade's case seriously, and the cases of women like her seriously, is to go before the media and the public ready to listen and to reply."
Reade had previously criticized Milano amid her defense of Biden, telling Fox News, "I think we need to compare how she responded to Brett Kavanaugh ... quite different than the talking points she [used] regarding Joe Biden." Read Milano's full op-ed at Deadline.
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.
-
Blake Lively's 'bombshell' legal action
In the spotlight It Ends With Us actor files 'astonishing' court filing against co-star and director Justin Baldoni
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Florida has a sinking condo problem
UNDER THE RADAR Scientists are (cautiously) ringing the alarms over dozens of the Sunshine State's high-end high-rises
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
The unstoppable rise of the Christmas jumper
In The Spotlight The novelty garments have fallen in and out of fashion over the past 70 years
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published