Chelsea Handler defended former senator Al Franken by saying groping is 'not sexual assault'

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August 20, 2018 5:01 PM

Comedian Chelsea Handler came to former senator Al Franken's defense in an interview with Profile by Buzfeed News, saying that what Franken did was "not sexual assault" and that he should run again. Franken resigned after being accused by multiple women of groping and unwanted advances.

Comedian Chelsea Handler came to former senator Al Franken's defense in an interview with Profile by Buzzfeed News.
Franken resigned in January after multiple women accused him of groping and unwanted advances.
Handler said "that's not rape" and supported Franken running again.
She added, "I think you can redeem yourself and I think Al Franken will redeem himself."

Comedian Chelsea Handler defended her friend and former Minnesota senator Al Franken, who resigned in January after at least six women accused him of sexual misconduct, including groping and unwanted advances.

Handler, who has recently turned her focus to activism rather than talk-show hosting, said in a Profile by Buzzfeed News interview on Sunday that she supported Franken running again, and that what he did was not the same as sexual assault.

"I think he can run again, look who's running the country, ya know what I mean?" she said. "So I think you can redeem yourself and I think Al Franken will redeem himself. He's devoted to politics and he was a great champion of women and marginalized communities, so I do hope he runs again."

Watch the full interview below. Handler's comments about Franken begin at the 7 minute mark:

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