“I want to once again state clearly and unequivocally that Representative Grossberg should resign,” Besher said during an impromptu press conference called Friday morning, hours after a Lexington-Herald-Leader investigative report was released that Democratic State Rep. Daniel Grossberg has been permanently banned from a Louisville strip club for sexually assaulting a dancer and soliciting another for prostitution.
“You cannot be a state representative and engage in this type of conduct, but no human being should make other people feel unsafe.” Beshear said, “You know harassment is wrong in all of its forms.”
Another investigative report by the Herald laid claims by several alleged victims of sexual harassment by Grossberg at the State Capitol and political events. It led to the House Democratic Caucus calling for an ethics investigation. Beshear said numerous people are coming forward and that he knows some of the alleged victims.
“I hope that people see or hear today that we will listen, that they will be believed and that no one should use a position of authority to make anyone else feel unsafe or harassed. Now it's important that in a world where we still see far too much conduct, that's just totally unacceptable for people to know that if they choose to speak out, they'll be heard.”
Other Democrats are calling for Rep. Grossberg’s resignation including Lt. Gov. Jaqueline Coleman and Allison Wiseman, president of Kentucky Young Democrats.
The Kentucky Democrats also released a statement, "Every individual deserves to be held accountable for their own actions, particularly those who represent Kentuckians in the halls of our Capitol. Representative Grossberg has repeatedly proven that he is unfit to serve and must resign from office."
Beshear said if Grossberg chooses not to step down willingly, he could be impeached.
Through his attorney, Grossberg has denied all allegations against him.
UPDATE: House Democratic leaders have released a statement reading, "In addition to calling for state Representative Daniel Grossberg’s resignation today, the Kentucky House Democratic Caucus also voted to expel him permanently as a caucus member."
