Past controversies have only seemed to energize his loyal following, but a sexually charged hot mic moment from 2005 released by The Washington Post may be changing all of that. In the clip Trump can be heard joking about forcibly kissing women, grabbing them by their “p****” just because he is a star, and proudly speaking about his attempts to “f***” Access Hollywood host Nancy O’Dell.
The revelation is causing a mass GOP revolt as many prominent party leaders are openly calling for Trump to step out of the race. In an unprecedented move, even Trump’s running mate Governor Mike Pence issued a statement condemning the remarks:
My statement below: pic.twitter.com/92VYEAxIcl
— Mike Pence (@mike_pence) October 8, 2016
The controversy stems after a 2005 conversation between Access Hollywood host Billy Bush and Donald Trump was released in which Trump crassly discussed wanting to f*** Nancy O’dell. The conversation took place on a bus as the men approached their taping location. You can listen to the interaction in the clip below:
Trump released a video statement amidst the fallout in which he expresses “regret” for his language, and assures Americans this does not reflect who he is as a person:
Nancy O’dell, who was married at the time Trump tried to have sexual relations with her, issued a statement over the weekend. Via USA Today:
“Politics aside, I’m saddened that these comments still exist in our society at all,” she wrote. “When I heard the comments yesterday, it was disappointing to hear such objectification of women. The conversation needs to change because no female, no person, should be the subject of such crass comments, whether or not cameras are rolling. Everyone deserves respect no matter the setting or gender. As a woman who has worked very hard to establish her career, and as a mom, I feel I must speak out with the hope that as a society we will always strive to be better.”
This is not the first time Trump has faced the press for lewd and controversial comments directed at women. It is the first time, however, the candidate has seen a mass revolt and even some calling for him to remove himself from the race, including Senator Mike Lee:
Trump responded to calls for his resignation from the race by saying in Saturday morning phone call with press:
“I’d never withdraw. I’ve never withdrawn in my life. No, I’m not quitting this race. I have tremendous support.”
Others to withdraw support after the offensive remarks include but are not limited to:
Utah Gov. Gary R. Herbert
“Nothing that has happened in the last 48 hours is surprising to me or many others. Many people were angry and questioned why I would not endorse Donald Trump or attend the Republican Convention.”