Sen. Franken's Female Staffers Defend His Treatment Of Women

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — As the lawmakers faces national scrutiny following accusations of sexual misconduct, women who have worked for Minnesota Sen. Al Franken are defended his behavior as a boss

Eight former Franken employees issued a joint statement Friday morning saying the senator treated them "with the utmost respect."

Los Angeles radio news anchor Leeann Tweeden alleged Thursday that the former comedian forcibly kissed her while rehearsing for a 2006 USO tour performance and later was photographed reaching out to grope Tweeden as she slept during a flight.

Franken apologized to Tweeden but said he remembers the rehearsal differently. Tweeden said she accepted the apology.

The women's statement credits Franken for fighting for women's issues in the Senate and promoting female employees within his office.

Franken has faced significant blowback in the 24 hours since the allegations became public. Senate leadership called for the ethics committee to look into his actions, and Franken endorsed the investigation.

Organizers of a major book festival in Atlanta where Franken was scheduled to speak say the senator has abruptly canceled his appearance.

A Los Angeles radio anchor on Thursday accused Franken of kissing and groping her during a 2006 USO tour.

The Minnesota Democrat had been scheduled to speak Monday night, the closing night of the two-week-long Book Festival of the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta. Keely Sime, the center's marketing director, said Friday that festival organizers received word Thursday that Franken would not attend his sold-out appearance.

Tickets for Franken's appearance ranged from $32 to $75 for VIP access, and included a copy of the senator's book "Al Franken, Giant of the Senate." Sime said the center is contacting those who purchased tickets.

Watch: Senator Franken Accepts Ethics Probe After Accusation

AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais