Jokes about sexual assault

South Carolina lawmaker jokes about sexual assault amid Kavanaugh allegations

By REBECCA MORIN

Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) on Thursday mocked the sexual assault allegation a California woman made against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, joking that the latest update had brought new allegations against Abraham Lincoln.

"Did y'all hear the latest, late-breaking news from the Kavanaugh hearings?" Norman said, joking that was the reason he was running late for a candidates' debate. “Ruth Bader Ginsburg came out that she was groped by Abraham Lincoln.”

The South Carolina lawmaker's comments were made during opening remarks at the debate in Rock Hill, S.C.

Christine Blasey Ford accused Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her when they were both in high school. Ford said Kavanaugh drunkenly groped her and pinned her down on a bed while a friend watched during a house party in the 1980s. Kavanaugh has denied the allegations.

Norman's comment comes as Republicans are aiming to continue with confirming Kavanaugh. Both Ford and Kavanaugh have been asked to testify to the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday. Ford's attorney on Thursday said she is "prepared to testify next week" but does not believe a Monday hearing is possible.

Norman is running for re-election in South Carolina's 5th district against Democrat Archie Parnell, who is facing his own controversy. Parnell refused to withdraw from the race after admitting earlier this year that in the 1970s, he physically abused his ex-wife.

The district had been targeted by Democrats who believed they could flip the seat.