NY Congressman Accused Of Sexual Misconduct In Minneapolis Bar

MINNEAPOLIS — Republican Rep. Tom Reed of New York apologized Sunday after he was accused of sexual misconduct in a Minneapolis bar in 2017 by a former lobbyist who was 25 at the time.

Reed also said he will not seek the governorship of New York nor run for reelection in 2022. He was considering a challenge to embattled Gov. Andrew Cuomo prior to the allegations Friday.

Nicolette Davis told The Washington Post that she was at the Minneapolis bar when an intoxicated Reed put his hand on her back, unhooked her bra and "moved his hand to her thigh, inching upward." Reed was 45 at the time.

Davis texted a friend that "A drunk congressman is rubbing my back" and "HELP HELP," the Post reported.

Davis then asked the man sitting to her right for help. He grabbed the congressman and took him out of the bar, according to her account.

Reed's office initially said that "this account of my actions is not accurate," according to the Post, which published its story Friday.

Reed apologized on Sunday. "This occurred at a time in my life in which I was struggling," he said in a statement to CNN. "Upon entering treatment in 2017, I recognized that I am powerless over alcohol. I am now approaching four years of that personal lifelong journey of recovery."

Reed added: "This is in no way an excuse for anything I've done. Consistent with my recovery, I publicly take ownership of my past actions, offer this amends and humbly apologize again to Ms. Davis, my wife and kids, loved ones, and to all of you."