Trump Issues Statement on Audio Released of Him Describing Actions Some Are Calling Sexual Assault

“Trump apologists will try to say that bragging about sexual assault is ‘just locker room talk.’ It isn’t. It’s bragging about sexual assault.”

Donald Trump Friday afternoon released a statement after The Washington Post released audio of him describing his actions with women, including kissing, groping, and trying to have sex with women. Some have taken to social media to call Trump’s descriptions of his actions sexual assault.

The audio was recorded in 2005 while Trump was on an Access Hollywood bus with then-host Billy Bush. He reportedly was married to Melania Trump at the time it was recorded.

Some excerpts from The Washington Post video:

“I moved on her like a bitch, but I couldn’t get there. And she was married,” Trump says. “Then all of a sudden I see her, she’s now got the big phony tits and everything. She’s totally changed her look.”

“I’ve gotta use some tic tacs, just in case I start kissing her,” Trump continues.“You know I’m automatically attracted to beautiful — I just start kissing them. It’s like a magnet. Just kiss. I don’t even wait.”

“Grab them by the p—y,” Trump also says. “You can do anything.”

“And when you’re a star they let you do it,” Trump brags. “You can do anything.”

Trump’s statement, which is being characterized as his first apology of the campaign despite actually being a full apology, is just 36 words.

“This was locker room banter, a private conversation that took place many years ago,” Trump says. “Bill Clinton has said far worse to me on the golf course – not even close. I apologize if anyone was offended.”

Note the Republican nominee does not take any responsibility for his words or actions, and “apologizes” only “if” anyone was offended.

The Atlantic’s David A. Graham writes: “In describing his behavior toward women, Trump is describing sexual assault: non-consensual kissing and grabbing of women’s genitals. He is bragging, if privately, about appalling and illegal behavior.”

Other journalists and some media notables are also accusing Trump of having described sexual assault. Those who work for media outlets have the name of the outlet noted above their comments for identification purposes only; they and their remarks do not represent their employers:

New York Times:

Politico:

Washington Post:

TIME:

Talking Points Memo:

MTV News:

University of Denver Law Professor:

Media and Political Notables:

And others: