36 Female SNLers Back Franken, to Criticism
They use a letter to thank him, to the dismay of social media users
By Arden Dier, Newser Staff
Posted Nov 21, 2017 11:34 AM CST
newser.com
(NEWSER) – The current cast of Saturday Night Live is far from supporting SNL alum and alleged harasser Al Franken, but the same can't be said of former staff. In a letter, 36 women who previously worked on the show say they "feel compelled to stand up for Al Franken," who did something "stupid and foolish" but also did the right thing and apologized, per New York. The letter goes on to describe the Democratic senator as "a devoted and dedicated family man, a wonderful comedic partner, and an honorable public servant." It concludes, "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." Reaction has been harsh on social media, with users noting the women are thanking Franken for not harassing them when it's known he harassed others; a photo taken during a 2006 USO tour shows Franken appearing to grope Leeann Tweeden's breasts while she sleeps. A Texas woman says Franken also groped her during a 2010 photo op at a state fair. Similarly, outtakes from a 2000 photo shoot show Franken grabbing Arianna Huffington's breasts and butt, though Huffington says there was nothing "inappropriate" about the behavior, reports Page Six. Original cast members Jane Curtin, Laraine Newman, and former SNL producer Marci Klein were among those to sign the letter, which has no connection to SNL, reports the Hollywood Reporter. |
