Advertisement

George H.W. Bush apologizes after sexual assault accusation

Actress Heather Lind accused George H.W. Bush of inappropriate touching. AP/Getty Images

Former president George H.W. Bush has issued a statement saying he would never “intentionally cause anyone distress,” following actress Heather Lind’s accusation that she was inappropriately touched by him.

Lind, an actress on the AMC Series TURN: Washington’s Spies, accused the former leader of touching her from behind and telling her a “dirty joke,” while she was posing for a photo beside him in 2014.

WATCH: #MeToo campaign prompts victims of sexual assault, harassment to come forward

Click to play video: '#MeToo campaign prompts victims of sexual assault, harassment to come forward'
#MeToo campaign prompts victims of sexual assault, harassment to come forward

The 93-year-old’s spokesman responded to the allegations in a statement to the Associated Press.

Story continues below advertisement

“President Bush would never — under any circumstance — intentionally cause anyone distress, and he most sincerely apologizes if his attempt at humor offended Ms. Lind.”

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

She revealed the alleged incident in an Instagram post on Tuesday, which has since been deleted from the social media platform, but is still available online.

WATCH: LAPD investigating possible sexual assault case against Harvey Weinstein

Click to play video: 'LAPD investigating possible sexual assault case against Harvey Weinstein'
LAPD investigating possible sexual assault case against Harvey Weinstein

“I recognize the respect ex-presidents are given for having served,” she wrote in the post.

“But when I got the chance to meet George H. W. Bush four years ago to promote a historical television show I was working on, he sexually assaulted me while I was posing for a similar photo.”

She added that the former leader’s wife, Barbara Bush, was standing with him and rolled her eyes.

Story continues below advertisement

The actress, who used the hashtag #Metoo in her post, said that she was sharing her story to “enact positive change.”

READ MORE: The women who’ve accused Harvey Weinstein of sexual harassment and assault

Lind’s story comes amid the Harvey Weinstein controversy, which has brought to light how common sexual assault is in the film industry.

The film producer has been accused of sexual assault and harassment by at least 52 women.

— With a file from the Associated Press

Sponsored content

AdChoices