George H.W. Bush has issued a statement in response to Turn: Washington's Spies star Heather Lind's since-deleted Instagram post about being "sexually assaulted" by the former POTUS in 2014. In the original post, Lind said a recent photo of Barack Obama and Bush at the One America Appeal benefit event inspired her to tell her story.
"I found it disturbing because I recognize the respect ex-presidents are given for having served," Lind wrote Tuesday, according toDeadline. "And I feel pride and reverence toward many of the men in the photo. But when I got the chance to meet George H. W. Bush four years ago to promote a historical television show I was working on, he sexually assaulted me while I was posing for a similar photo."
According to Lind, Bush—who's currently in a wheelchair due to vascular parkinsonism—touched her from behind and also told a "dirty joke" while taking a photograph with her. "My fellow cast-mates and producers helped me that day and continue to support me," Lind said, in closing. "I am grateful for the bravery of other women who have spoken up and written about their experiences. And I thank President Barack Obama for the gesture of respect he made toward George H. W. Bush for the sake of our country, but I do not respect him. #metoo."
In a statement to the New York Daily News Wednesday, a representative for Bush characterized the incident as an "attempt at humor" and did not deny Lind's accusations. "President Bush would never—under any circumstance—intentionally cause anyone distress, and he most sincerely apologizes if his attempt at humor offended Ms. Lind," a spokesperson said.
Lind's revelation, as she mentioned in her original Instagram post, comes as details surrounding Harvey Weinstein's years of alleged sexual assault are still coming to light.
Tuesday, singer Alice Glass shared her own story of alleged sexual and psychological abuse by her former Crystal Castles collaborator Ethan Kath.
