Sharon Bialek, the woman who came forward to accuse Herman Cain of physically sexually harassing her in 1997 Monday, told CNN Monday night that she held Cain in high regard before he allegedly groped her in a car in Washington, DC.
“It was shocking to me that he would use that power in such a way,” Bialek told Piers Morgan. Bialek said she had traveled to DC to ask for help from Cain — then the president of the National Restaurant Association — in securing a job. She recalled thinking of Cain as “a powerful man” and said she “respected him and “looked up to him.”
There were few new details on Bialek’s allegation in the interview. She told CNN’s Morgan that both she and Cain had consumed wine during the dinner they shared preceding the alleged incident, which she said earlier today included Cain putting a hand up her skirt and pushing her head toward his crotch.
Bialek said she had one glass of wine but couldn’t recall in detail Cain’s consumption. She said it was “probably” two glasses.
As for her goals in coming forward, Bialek said that she has no intention to sue or pursue other legal action against Cain (the statue of limitations has expired for the alleged criminal behavior.)
“I had to do this for the other women who couldn’t or wouldn’t,” Bialek said, referring to the other Cain accusers who have remained anonymous.
“I really hope that what I did will enable other women to come forward in similar situations,” she added.
In a statement earlier today, Cain’s campaign denied Bialek’s account and said once again that the GOP presidential frontrunner has never harassed anyone.
Bialek said she wants Cain to apologize for his behavior. A registered Republican, Bialek suggested the story could have a political impact on Cain.
“I don’t think we can have anyone in the White House who is unable to tell the truth,” she said.
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