MINNEAPOLIS - Congressman Keith Ellison met with reporters Friday to field questions about the domestic abuse allegations made about him by an ex-girlfriend, Karen Monahan.
Here is what he had to say on if he abused Monahan while they were in a relationship, specifically if he violently dragged her off a bed.
“All I can say is that I did not do this thing she Is accusing me of. That’s what I’ve said from the very beginning. That’s what I say now,” said Ellison.
On why he thinks Monahan is making this accusation.
“You know that’s the question that I have been asked quite a bit. All I can really tell you is that I have thought about that a million times and I’ve come up with nothing,” said Ellison.
On if he will drop out of the race for Attorney General, if it is best for the DFL party.
“No,” said Ellison.
On if he has spoken with Monahan since she made these allegations.
“No,” said Ellison.
On if he would speak with her.
“I’m not opposed to it. I’m easy to find. And I’m not opposed to a conversation but I’m not in a position to reach out. At this point, if I were to do that it could be misinterpreted and so I’m just going to not do that but if she reaches out to me, I’m not opposed to conversation and I never have been,” said Ellison.
On if he thinks Monahan should release the video of the abuse allegation she says she has.
“I think the person who said they had something it’s on them to produce it. But at the same time look this happens within a context of a society where millions of women have been mistreated, abused, hurt and they haven’t been believed and that’s real,” said Ellison.
On his advocacy for women who have been abused.
“I believe that every person who is a victim should be listened to. I don’t believe everyone who says something should be believed just because they said it. But I do believe people should be listened to,” said Ellison.