News

Actions

Sessions says grabbing a woman is sexual assault

Posted
and last updated

WASHINGTON (AP) - Asked at his confirmation hearing about a 2005 video in which Donald Trump bragged about using his fame to force himself on women, Sen. Jeff Sessions said he believes grabbing a woman by her genitalia is sexual assault.

Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont asked Sessions, the president-elect's pick for attorney general, about some conflicting statements Sessions made on the campaign trail after the video was released.

In the video, Trump says, "when you're a star, they let you do it. You can do anything."

Leahy asked Sessions at Tuesday's hearing: "Is grabbing a woman by her genitals without her consent sexual assault?"

Sessions answered: "Clearly it is."

___