Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has acknowledged the potential for additional allegations of sexual misconduct from women in his past.
Independent presidential candidate Kennedy addressed recent allegations by former babysitter Eliza Cooney, as Fox News reports, suggesting that more potentially embarrassing information could emerge.
The claims against Kennedy surfaced when Cooney asserted that he had forcibly groped her in the late 1990s. The revelations came to light via a report published by Vanity Fair earlier this month.
Kennedy, who continues his presidential campaign as an independent, has addressed the allegations brought forward by Cooney. In response to the publicized claims, he issued a private apology via text message to Cooney. This was later reported by the Washington Post.
During an interview with CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett, Kennedy admitted to sending Cooney the apology, highlighting that it was meant as a private gesture and not intended for public dissemination. He maintained that he had no recollection of the incident, characterizing it as contrary to his usual behavior.
Kennedy expressed a willingness to make amends if his actions had hurt someone, stressing the intricacy of human relationships and differing interpretations of interactions.
Addressing the potential for further allegations, Kennedy noted that it was a distinct possibility due to the nature of his past behaviors. He candidly described his life as having been "very rambunctious." Despite the accusations, Kennedy emphasized that he does not want to appear insensitive or inappropriate to anyone. He reiterated his readiness to apologize if future incidents come to light.
Within the context of his presidential campaign, Kennedy remains focused on his platform. He underscored the significance of battling "corporate capture," easing the affordability crisis, and ending "forever wars."
Kennedy's independent bid for the White House came after he departed from the Democratic Party in the wake of its decision to block his primary run against President Joe Biden. Describing the presidential race as a "two-man race" between him and former President Donald Trump following Biden's exit, Kennedy remains resolute in his pursuit.
According to a Fox News poll from July, Kennedy garnered 10% of the vote in a hypothetical three-man race with Trump and Biden. This polling data reflects significant voter support despite the controversies surrounding him. Kennedy's campaign website has been particularly critical of what he describes as "corporate capture," as well as other pressing issues such as the affordability crisis and ongoing wars.
Throughout his public statements, Kennedy has highlighted the complexity of social interactions and his determination to correct any wrongs he may have committed. He has remained open to the possibility of further apologies, acknowledging his past as a contributing factor.
In his conversation with Garrett, Kennedy avoided making public comments on the specifics of Cooney's allegation, though he noted that the apology speaks for itself. He expressed a desire not to leave anyone feeling wronged by any past actions.
By continuing his presidential campaign, Kennedy aims to address key policy issues, including economic inequality, corporate dominance, and foreign policy. His focus has been on bringing attention to these concerns while simultaneously addressing personal controversies head-on.