Following pressure by the media, the California State Senate and Assembly released documents on nearly 20 sexual harassment cases that have been investigated over the last decade.
Four current lawmakers are named in various complaints, which range from sexual conversations to unwanted touching.
In 2013 two women complained that Republican Assemblyman Travis Allen, who is running for governor, made them feel uncomfortable by asking for a hug, squeezing one’s shoulders and “petting” the other’s hand. Assembly HR spoke with Allen about his conduct and no further action was taken.
“The release of this unsubstantiated complaint is a political attack by a Democrat led committee," Allen said in a statement. "I'm sure I've shaken many people's hands, tapped many people on the shoulder, and have even tapped people's feet accidentally. But there has never been anything in any of my actions that has been inappropriate, and nor will there ever be. I was actually shocked 6 years ago that any friendliness I displayed was in any way misconstrued. Everyone deserves to work in an environment free from inappropriate behavior.”