Female 'SNL' Staffers Defend Al Franken Amid Sexual Harassment Claims

Women who worked on Saturday Night Live say they are standing behind Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.), despite allegations of stupid and foolish sexual harassment.

The staffers who Minnesotas Star Tribune newspaper describes as 36 production assistants, writers, producers and original cast members, including Jane Curtin express support for the former SNL writer and performer in a statement released by NBC News on Tuesday. The network wouldnt provide the names of signers to HuffPost.

Their statement follows allegations that Franken forced himself upon journalist Leeann Tweeden in 2006, and inappropriately grabbed a woman named Lindsay Menz while posing for photos in 2010.

JUST IN: Women staff of \"Saturday Night Live\" sign letter in support of Sen. Al Franken pic.twitter.com/osN6IwMgvB

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JUST IN: Women staff of "Saturday Night Live" sign letter in support of Sen. Al Franken pic.twitter.com/osN6IwMgvB
NBC News (@NBCNews) November 21, 2017

What Al did was stupid and foolish, and we think it was appropriate for him to apologize to Ms. Tweeden, and to the public, the statement reads.

In our experience, we know Al as a devoted and dedicated family man, a wonderful comedic performer, and an honorable public servant. That is why we are moved to quickly and directly affirm that after years of working with him, we would like to acknowledge that not one of us ever experienced any inappropriate behavior; and mention our sincere appreciation that he treated each of us with the utmost respect and regard.

We send our support and gratitude to Al and his family this Thanksgiving and holiday season, the statement concludes.