October 08, 2016
Donald Trump, Caught Making Light of Sexual Assault on Tape, Apologizes — Watch
DonaldTrump.com
An video released yesterday that contained remarks by Donald Trump that he kisses women before they give permission and that his fame allows him to "grab them by the p*ssy" sent the Republican presidential candidate into damage-control mode.
People magazine reports that Trump's comments with a TV host — which he had previously chalked up to little more than locker-room banter — led Trump to issue a video apology... of sorts.
In the video viewed by 10 million people overnight, Trump said, "I never said I'm a perfect person nor pretended to be someone that I'm not. I've said and done things I regret and the words released today on the more than decade-old video are one of them. Anyone who knows me knows these words don't reflect who I am."
In the most direct apology he has issued on any topic during his controversial campaign, Trump went on to say, “I said it, I was wrong, and I apologize."
Watch!
Still, he was anything but cowed by the media frenzy — which includes a damaging New York Daily News cover and countless Twitter weigh-ins — turning his apology into an attack on his opponent, Hillary Clinton, whom he will face in a second debate Sunday night.
“Hillary Clinton and her kind have run our country into the ground. I've said some foolish things, but there's a big difference between the words and actions of other people. Bill Clinton has actually abused women and Hillary has bullied, attacked, shamed, and intimidated his victims. I pledge to be a better man tomorrow, and will never, ever let you down. See you at the debate on Sunday."
This is horrific. We cannot allow this man to become president. https://t.co/RwhW7yeFI2
@HillaryClinton
Hillary Clinton's immediate response to what social media has named the #TrumpTapes was to call Trump's remarks "horrific" and to urge Americans not to "allow this man to become president."
Other politicians, commentators, and celebrities are also reacting on social media:
As the grandfather of two precious girls, I find that no apology can excuse away Donald Trump's reprehensible comments degrading women.
@JebBush
This kind of behavior is disgusting. It makes me sick to my stomach. https://t.co/mOUKgr6axl
@timkaine
There are no excuses for Donald Trump's offensive behavior. Cindy & I will not vote for him. My full stmt: https://t.co/MOw0rx4LSI
@SenJohnMcCain
I ask the question again this morning: "What else does GOP leadership need to see from Donald Trump to disavow him, ask him to resign? What? https://t.co/nllYAtsQnO
@ananavarro
I will not vote for Donald Trump. Read my statement here: pic.twitter.com/F8zajgDZpg
@KellyAyotte
America deserves far better than @realDonaldTrump
@JeffFlake
As proud as I am to label myself a Republican, there is one label that I hold above all else - American. My full statement: pic.twitter.com/biRvY8S3aZ
@Schwarzenegger
If you have any more excuses about him after watching this, God have mercy on your soul. https://t.co/Xi8Xba3ijw
@katyperry
LADIES👑WE R NOT DISPOSABLE BLOW UP DOLLS,4RICH MENS PLEASURE.I HAD SCARY EXPERIENCE W/RICH IMPORTANT FILM PROD.& I WAS CHER‼️
@cher
I WANTED JOB😥
All those defending Trump to me: saying "pussy" ain't the issue. Saying he just "grabs" it is the problem. Y'all are defending wrong word.
@daxshepard1
He is bragging about being a sex criminal. He is a star & he can do what he wants 2 any woman he wants. He delights in being a sex criminal
@EllenBarkin
Ask a rape survivor if "grabbing them by the pussy" is just some locker room talk.
@DonCheadle
Any woman, and anyone who was born of a woman....how can you vote for this garbage monster? https://t.co/Ngh3uqwwGE
@LauraBenanti
While everyone is rifling a thesaurus for synonyms, how about a dictionary to name it properly: sexual assault remarks.#pussygrabber https://t.co/VCtWRy9KLl
@AshleyJudd
I don't believe we are responsible for our parents actions but HOW can his children stand by & continue to justify, defend and support him?
@emmyrossum
I am disgusted...not surprised...but disgusted. https://t.co/bqW560zh0Q
@Zendaya
Whether you feel it consciously or not, hearing these words out of a candidate's mouth is a threat. Take care of yourselves this weekend.
@lenadunham
I mean, no candidate is perfect but I'm gonna go for the one who won't "Use a tic tac" & then "Grab me by the pussy."
@jennyslate
As a producer on seasons 1 & 2 of #theapprentice I assure you: when it comes to the #trumptapes there are far worse. #justthebegininng
@billpruitt
