Political Scandals

Actresses Accuse George H.W. Bush Of Sexual Misconduct

One incident allegedly happened during a promotional event for AMC's "Turn: Washington Spies." The other reportedly happened during a photo op.

Actresses Accuse George H.W. Bush Of Sexual Misconduct
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Amid several weeks filled with sexual harassment and assault accusations, two actresses have accused not a director or producer, but a former president.

In a now-deleted Instagram post, actress Heather Lind accused former President George H.W. Bush of sexual harassment and assault.

The actress said the president "didn't shake my hand. He touched me from behind from his wheelchair with his wife Barbara Bush by his side. He told me a dirty joke. And then, all the while being photographed, touched me again."

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The incident reportedly took place four years ago while promoting the show "Turn: Washington's Spies." 

In a statement obtained by People, a spokesman for the former president said: "[President Bush] most sincerely apologizes if his attempt at humor offended Ms. Lind."

After reports of Lind's story surfaced, another actress — Jordana Grolnick — told Deadspin she had a similar experience.

Grolnick claims that while taking a photo with Bush, he touched her behind and told an inappropriate joke. That accusation prompted a more in-depth response from Bush's team.

A spokesman noted Bush's hand falls on the lower waist during pictures since he's in a wheelchair. In a statement, he said "To try to put people at ease, the president routinely tells the same joke — and on occasion, he has patted women's rears in what he intended to be a good-natured manner. ... To anyone he has offended, President Bush apologizes most sincerely."