Al Franken: 36 women he worked with at SNL write letter of support - 'An honourable public servant'

Following allegations levied against him

(Getty)

As Democratic senator for Minnesota Al Franken faces continuing pressure following allegations of sexual misconduct levelled against him, 36 female staffers who worked with him at Saturday Night Live during the 80s and 90s have co-signed a letter standing by him.

"We would like to acknowledge that not one of us ever experienced any inappropriate behavior [from Franken]" they write, describing him as "a devoted and dedicated family man, a wonderful comedic performer, and an honorable public servant."

Franken was accused by radio host Leeann Tweeden last week of forcibly kissing her during a play rehearsal and motioning to cup her breasts for a photo without her consent as she slept. A second woman came forward on Monday saying Franken had grabbed her buttocks as they posed for a photo in 2010.

The women who signed the letter ranged from actors to writers to production assistants. Franken served as a writer and performer on SNL from 1975 to 1980 and 1985 to 1995.

The letter in full:

We feel compelled to stand up for Al Franken, whom we have all had the pleasure of working with over the years on Saturday Night Live (SNL).

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

SIGNED BY

1. Jill Baylor, Production Assistant, 1991-92

2. Shannon Gaughan Bowman, Writer, 1988-89

3. Beth Einhorn, Script PA, 1987-1988

4. Cindy Caponera, Writer, 1995-98

5. Jane Curtin, Not Ready for Prime Time Player, original cast, 1975-80

6. Tracy Cooper Drippe, Script PA/ Script Supervisor, 1986-1991

7. Suzy Drasnin, Production Staff/Photographer, 1986-90

8. Juli Pari Frankel, Script PA, 1984-1985

9. Julia Fraser, Script Supervisor, 1978-1985

10. Tara Gardner, Writers Assistant, 1990-95

11. Iris March Gross, Broadway Video/SNL, 1977-1985

12. Marcy Hardart, Assistant to Lorne Michaels, 1987-1990

13. Lori Jo Hoekstra, Writer’s Assistant/Weekend Update Producer, 1990-1998

14. Sheila Kehoe, Costume Dept, 1976-82

15. Marci Klein, Co-Producer, 1989-2014

16. Franne Lee, Costume Designer, 1975-80

17. Laila Nabulsi, Schiller’s Reel 1975-79; Associate Producer, 1985-1986

18. Laraine Newman, Not Ready for Prime Time Player, original cast, 1975-80

19. Mary Ellen Mathews, Show Photographer, 1993- present

20. Cristina McGinniss, Assistant to Lorne Michaels (25 years);Broadway Video, 1979 – present

21. Marilyn Suzanne Miller, Writer, 1975 -1994 (intermittently)

22. Dinah Minot, Associate Producer, 1985-1989; Co-Producer, Broadway Pictures,1989-96

23. Evie Murray, Assistant to Lorne Michaels & consultant, 1983-1994

24. Sarah Paley, Writer, 1979-80 (& The New Show 1981-82)

25. Sandra Restrepo Considine, Script Supervisor/PA, 1987-1993

26. Suzanne Rosenberg, Coordinating Producer/Weekend Update, 1983-2003

27. Suzanne Ross, Script PA, 1991-1993

28. Karen Roston, Costume Designer, 1975-1983

29. Mary Salter, Film Producer, 1977-1987

30. Claire Shirey, Script Coordinator, 1982-present

31. Rosie Shuster, Writer, 1975-1980; 1984-88

32. Kiki Kazanas Steele, Script PA/Script Supervisor, 1985-1990

33. Pam Thomas, Consultant, 1980s

34. Bonnie Turner, Writer, 1986-1993

35. Christine Zander, Writer, 1987-1993

36. Liz Welch, Talent Coordinator, 1981-89