Journalist Says Rev. Jesse Jackson Sexually Harassed Her

CHICAGO, IL — A journalist with "The Root" says Rev. Jesse Jackson sexually harassed her several years ago. New York-based writer-producer Danielle Young published her article on Monday, alleging that Jackson groped her and made inappropriate comments. She said the incident happened after he gave a speech during a meeting with her former employer.

"I walked toward Jackson, smiling, and he smiled back at me. His eyes scanned my entire body," Young wrote. "All of a sudden, I felt naked in my sweater and jeans. As I walked within arm’s reach of him, Jackson reached out a hand and grabbed my thigh, saying, 'I like all of that right there!' and gave my thigh a tight squeeze."

Young said she was shocked and "deflated" as she admired Jackson as a civil rights activist and leader.

"I did what most women in an uncomfortable position do: I giggled. And I continued to giggle as he pulled me in closer, stared down at my body, smiled and told me he was only kidding," Young wrote.

Young's article included photos of herself with Jackson, snapped by her co-worker at the time. The article itself is titled "Don't Let the Smile Fool You. I'm Cringing on the Inside." In one picture, Jackson's right arm is around her neck, while his left arm appears to hold her close to him.

"I personally never wanted to say anything because my situation was just a thigh grab. Barely a blip on anyone’s radar, even my own," Young wrote. "Jackson’s tight grip doesn’t even measure up to what any of the victims of Harvey Weinstein and others have had to endure; however, I was uncomfortable and had to swallow the lump in my throat as I stood right beside the civil rights leader."

A representative of Jackson has released the following statement in response to the claim: "Although Rev. Jackson does not recall the meeting three years ago, he profoundly and sincerely regrets any pain Ms. Young may have experienced."

Sexual harassment allegations have piled up across the United States in many industries and all levels of government as many take a stand in the #MeToo campaign. The movement began after movie mogul Harvey Weinstein was fired amid a firestorm of sexual harassment allegations.

Last week, Illinois Sen. Ira Silverstein resigned from the Senate Democratic leadership team amid harassment allegations against him.

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