TASOS KATOPODIS/AFP/Getty Images(GREEN BAY, Wisc.) — The embattled Republican presidential nominee spoke out Monday night on the accusations of sexual assault leveled against him.
ABC News’ Tom Llamas, in an interview before a campaign event in Green Bay, Wisconsin, asked Donald Trump if he had ever crossed the line with women.
“I don’t think so,” Trump said. “I have great respect for women. I have tremendous respect for women.”
He added, “It’s ridiculous. Your point is it’s lies, pure lies, and the media shouldn’t be playing that up.”
Trump has denied that any wrongdoing took place and has attacked his accusers, calling the stories “phony” and some of the women “horrible.” He also has threatened to sue The New York Times, whose story was the first in a slew of similar stories to all be published within the same night.
Last week, Trump personally attacked the individuals who made the claims against him and accused them of doing it for fame.
“Believe me, she would not be my first choice, that I can tell you,” Trump said of Jessica Leeds, one of two women who told their stories to The New York Times. Leeds says Trump sexually assaulted her in the ’90s while they were on a first-class flight to New York.
During the second presidential debate, Trump noted that his opponent, Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, assailed accusers of her husband, former President Bill Clinton.
“Hillary Clinton attacked those same women and attacked them viciously,” Trump said.
Bill Clinton was not criminal charged in the case rape accusations, denied sexual assault allegations and admitted no wrongdoing in another case.
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