Halperin Issues Apology

MSNBC political analyst Mark Halperin released a statement on Friday evening apologizing for causing his former female employees at ABC News "pain and anguish" after multiple women accused him of sexual harassment when he was the political director there over a decade ago.

CNN reported on Wednesday night that five women accused Halperin of engaging in inappropriate behavior while he worked at ABC. They alleged Halperin's actions ranged from propositioning young female staffers to groping and pressing his erection against them while clothed.

Halperin, who was suspended from MSNBC and NBC News on Thursday, said in a lengthy statement on Twitter that he "deeply regret[s]" his past actions and understands what he did was wrong.

Please read my statement below. pic.twitter.com/8ld8k8DC6O

— Mark Halperin (@MarkHalperin) October 27, 2017

CNN reported Friday that four more women have leveled allegations of sexual harassment against Halperin.

The news channel said that one woman claimed Halperin masturbated in her presence after she went to his ABC News office to seek advice from him about her career at the news division, where she was a desk assistant.

CNN said a second woman alleged that the “Game Change” co-author threw her against a restaurant window and threatened to derail her career after she rebuffed his attempt to kiss her.

CNN said that Halperin denied that he masturbated in front of anyone or physically assaulted or threatened anyone.