#MeToo: John Conyers Steps Down from House Judiciary Committee amid Harassment Accusations

Veteran congressman John Conyers says he is stepping aside as top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee while harassment allegations are investigated.

The Michigan Democrat again denied the accusations, but said he was stepping down to clear his name.

A staff member alleges she was fired for refusing to “succumb to advances” from John Conyers.

A prominent civil rights leader, John Conyers first joined Congress in 1965.

The House Ethics Committee has launched an investigation into allegations of harassment and age discrimination involving staff.

On November 26, John Conyers, now 88, tweeted that he would like to remain as ranking member on the judiciary committee, but that he could not “in good conscience” allow the charges to “undermine” House colleagues.

Image source Wikimedia

#MeToo: Former USA Gymnastics Doctor Larry Nassar Pleads Guilty to Seven Charges of Assault

#MeToo: Charlie Rose Suspended by Several TV Networks Following Harassment Allegations

On November 21, it was reported that he had paid $27,000 in 2015 in exchange for the confidentiality of a former staff member who alleged she was fired for rejecting advances.

According to signed legal documents seen by Buzzfeed, John Conyers was also accused of repeatedly making advances and inappropriately touching other female employees.

However, he said that many of the allegations “were raised by documents reportedly paid for by a partisan alt-right blogger”.

Nancy Pelosi, the leader of the Democrats in the House of Representatives, said it was imperative that John Conyers received “due process”.

She called him “an icon” who had advanced women’s causes.

However, Nancy Pelosi tweeted in reference to John Conyers: “Zero tolerance means consequences… No matter how great an individual’s legacy, it is not a license for harassment.”

John Conyers is the last member of Congress to have been in office under President Lyndon Johnson in the 1960s.

Republican house speaker Paul Ryan has called the allegations “extremely troubling”.

He recently announced that all lawmakers and staff members must undergo anti-harassment training.

Diane A. Wade

Diane is a perfectionist. She enjoys searching the internet for the hottest events from around the world and writing an article about it. The details matter to her, so she makes sure the information is easy to read and understand. She likes traveling and history, especially ancient history. Being a very sociable person she has a blast having barbeque with family and friends.

Recent Posts

Bald Eagle Officially Designated America’s National Bird After 250 Years

The bald eagle has been officially declared the national bird of the United States, after…

10 hours ago

Kazakhstan Plane Crash: Dozens Survive Azerbaijan Airlines Plane Crash Near Aktau Airport

Dozens of passengers have survived a crash involving a plane carrying 69 people in Kazakhstan,…

10 hours ago

Christmas Travel: Bad Weather and Airport Delays Affect Millions of Americans

Millions of Americans are bracing for difficult weather conditions during the Christmas holiday, with storms…

1 day ago

House Panel Votes to Release Matt Gaetz Ethics Report

The US House Ethics Committee has voted to release its report on former Republican Representative…

1 week ago

ABC News to Pay $15M to Settle Trump Defamation Suit

ABC News has agreed to pay $15 million to President-elect Donald Trump to settle a…

2 weeks ago

South Korea’s Parliament Impeaches President Yoon Suk Yeol Following Martial Law Scandal

South Korea’s parliament has voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his failed attempt…

2 weeks ago