Former President Bush apologizes for sexually harassing women

Actress Heather Lind has accused former President George HW Bush of grabbing her buttocks while they were taking a photo together at an event a few years ago, right under the witness of his wife Barbara Bush.

Actress Heather Lind - who accused former President George HW Bush of harassment. Photo: AFP

According to the Washington Post, in response to Heather Lind's accusation, Mr. Jim McGrath - Mr. Bush's spokesman - issued a statement on the afternoon of October 25 admitting the former US president's indecent actions.

"At age 93, President Bush has been using a wheelchair for nearly five years, so his arm is often positioned below the waist of the person taking the photo... Some people see it as innocent, others see it as rude. To those who feel offended, the president sincerely apologizes."

In a story recounted on Instagram, Ms. Lind said the incident happened when she met Mr. Bush four years ago at a promotional event for the historical TV show.

"He groped me from behind while I was sitting in a wheelchair, with Barbara Bush standing right next to me. He told a dirty joke, and then, while everyone was taking pictures, he groped me again."

According to the actress, former first lady Barbara Bush "rolled her eyes open as if to say 'not again'" when she saw what happened.

Former President Bush in a wheelchair. Photo: Reuters

Also on the evening of October 25, actress Jordana Grolnick spoke up to accuse George HW Bush of similar indecent behavior toward her. The incident occurred in 2016 near the Bush family estate in Kennebunkport, Maine.

"He put his right hand on my butt, and while we were laughing for the photo, he asked the group 'do you want to know who my favorite magician is?', I felt his hand touch my skin as he answered himself 'David Cop-a-Feel!

The other girls in the group laughed awkwardly, while Barbara Bush commented something like, “He’s going to get himself into jail!” Grolnick recalled.

The photo captures the moment of Mr. Bush's harassment. Photo: Instagram Jordana Grolnick

Since the scandal of Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, many actresses have spoken out about sexual harassment.

The movement then spread across social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook, with millions of people using the hashtag #MeToo (me too) to tell their own stories.

"The consolation is that I can use my power, which is not much different than a president. I can bring about positive change. I can help people... I refuse to call him president, and I will continue to expose other powerful people if I see (the same thing)" - actress Heather Lind wrote.

According to Tuoi Tre