From original cast members such as Jane Curtin and Laraine Newman to script PAs and writers, 36 former Saturday Night Light members have signed a letter stating, “We feel compelled to stand up for Al Franken.”
Last week, KABC radio anchor Leeann Tweeden accused Senator Al Franken of sexual misconduct. Tweeden claimed that while on a USO Tour in 2006, Franken groped and kissed her without her consent. She also released a photo of Franken that showed him grabbing her breasts while she was sleeping.
Later that same day, Franken issued an official statement, saying, “The first thing I want to do is apologize: to Leeann, to everyone else who was part of that tour, to everyone who has worked for me, to everyone I represent, and to everyone who counts on me to be an ally and support and champion of women.” Tweeden has since accepted Franken’s apologies.
However, other women have come forward with their more claims against Franken, such as Melanie Morgan and Lindsay Menz, neither of whom have received an apology from the senator. Additionally, several colleagues have called for a Senate Ethics Committee investigation into Franken’s behavior.
Despite these reports, 36 female SNL co-workers asserted in their letter:
“In our experience, we know Al as a devoted and dedicated family man, a wonderful comedic performer, and an honorable public servant. We would like to acknowledge that not one of us ever experienced any inappropriate behavior; and mention our sincere appreciation that he treated each of us with the utmost respect and regard.”
At this time, Franken has not yet responded to the support from his SNL colleagues.