Stephen Colbert Slams Al Franken Over Sexual Harassment Claims

Stephen Colbert ripped Senator Al Franken during his opening monologue on “The Late Show” Thursday night, taking a shot at Franken’s initial apology to Los Angeles radio newscaster Leann Tweeden, who accused Franken of harassing her during a 2006 U.S.O. tour.

“Every day it seems like we find out about another high-profile sexual harasser, and today is no exception,” Colbert said. “Come on, Franken! I guess there are no good people left, so let’s just get it over with: Just tell us whatever you did, Jimmy Carter, Barack Obama, Tom Hanks, Malala.”

“As a fellow comedian, I’ve long admired Al Franken,” Colbert continued. “But I’ve got to say, this doesn’t bode well for Louis C.K.‘s Senate hopes.”

Tweeden accused Franken Thursday of kissing her without her consent during a rehearsal of a sketch to be performed during the tour, and of groping her without her consent — a moment that was captured in a photograph that Colbert displayed on the show.

“Oh boy, that is…admissible evidence,” Colbert quipped.

He finished by slamming Franken’s initial apology, which referred to the photo as something that was “clearly intended to be funny but wasn’t.”

“OK, ‘intended to be funny but wasn’t’?” Colbert said. “No, your movie ‘Stuart Saves His Family’ was intended to be funny but wasn’t. That photo was intended to embarrass her. That’s why he did it while she was asleep. Nobody goes up to their buddy when he’s awake and says, ‘Hey, can I draw a penis on your forehead?’”

Watch below.

 

Related stories

Jordan Peele Tells Stephen Colbert He Considers 'Get Out' a Historical Documentary

Jake Tapper Tells Stephen Colbert Why He Responded to Bill O'Reilly's Ratings Jab

Late-Night Hosts Address Harvey Weinstein's Firing

Subscribe to Variety Newsletters and Email Alerts!