Dem Rep. Jayapal Calls ‘for a Full Investigation … by All Relevant Authorities’ of Reade’s Allegations

EXCERPT:

JAYAPAL: "Well, I think that, you know, at the top line here is that my belief, and I’ve been very consistent about this, including with Democratic members like John Conyers who was a hero on the civil rights front for me, when survivors of sexual assault and sexual harassment came forward, then and now, whenever they come forward to speak their truth, they need to be heard and the allegations have to be taken seriously. And so ending sexual assault, sexual harassment and abuses as a power is just core to the work of social justice and I am deeply committed to that. And so I have watched, as additional details have come to light about Ms. Reade's allegations, and I really believe that Joe Biden should call for a full investigation of these allegations by all relevant authorities and the media. And I just think they have to be investigated not only from a political perspective, do I believe that Joe Biden shouldn’t have that hanging over his head, but I think that women are a key part of the electorate. I think we all understand what the Me Too movement was about and I think that that is something that honestly will benefit, you know, Joe Biden, will make him consistent with some of the things he’s talked about around his work around violence against women and his leadership in that area. I just think it’s the right thing to do."