After multiple groping allegations against Sen. Al Franken, the Minnesota Democrat says he knows he did wrong, but will not resign.
"I've learned from these stories that in some of these encounters I have crossed the line for some women,” he told Minnesota Public Radio News.
"I'm going to do my job and I'm going to go forward," he added. "I'm going to take responsibility. I'm going to be held accountable and I'm going to try to be productive in the way I speak about this."
Franken hoped to “be a better man” after the experience and said Leeann Tweeden, the sports broadcaster who accused the senator of kissing and groping her without her consent, had every right to feel violated.
The photo of him holding his hands up against her breasts while she was asleep wearing a flak vest was “inexcusable” he said.
"I am ashamed of that photo," Franken said. "You know she didn't have any ability to consent. She had every right to feel violated by that photo."
As for other women who have come forward saying Franken touched them inappropriately while taking photos, the senator he’s “someone who, you know, hugs people.”
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"I've learned from these stories that in some of these encounters I have crossed the line for some women,” he added.
But he couldn't say whether more women would come forward.
"This has been a shock to me."
He also said he does not have plans to step down.
"The Ethics Committee is looking into all of this and I will cooperate fully with it," he said. "I know I have a lot of work to do to regain the trust of people I've let down."
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