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== Career ==
== Career ==
In 1992, while working as a hostess at a [[Hooters]] restaurant in [[Colorado Springs, Colorado]], she won first place in the [[Venus Fashion|Venus International]] Model Search. This break led to national exposure, including a regular role as a fitness model on the TV show ''[[Fitness Beach]]''. Tweeden modeled for promotional work for Hooters (which included an appearance in the restaurant's 1994 calendar), Venus International, and [[Frederick's of Hollywood]].<ref name=PBprofile/> In the early 2000s, Tweeden hosted many segments of the Fox Sports Net show, ''Bluetorch TV''.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?ggTabw5o6o8?t=6s] Bluetorch TV</ref> Tweeden was a correspondent for [[Fox Sports Networks]]' ''[[The Best Damn Sports Show Period]]'' from 2001 to 2007. In 2008, Tweeden became the third hostess of the [[NBC]] [[late night television]] series ''[[Poker After Dark]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/23011821 |title=Poker on NBC |access-date=2008-07-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080903225437/http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/23011821 |archive-date=September 3, 2008|url-status=dead }}</ref> She has also appeared on the political discussion series ''[[Hannity]]'' in 2011 and 2012.<ref name=WashPost11.16.17/> She was a member of the "Great American Panel" and also occasionally appeared on the panel of ''[[Red Eye (TV series)|Red Eye w/ Greg Gutfeld]]''.<ref name=IMDB>{{IMDb name|nm1204486}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://insider.foxnews.com/2013/07/26/watch-eboni-williams-defends-anthony-weiner-hannity|title=Defending Weiner? 'My Mayor Is Not My Husband, Sean!'|last=Hannity|date=July 26, 2013|work=Fox News Insider|access-date=2017-11-16|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117074147/http://insider.foxnews.com/2013/07/26/watch-eboni-williams-defends-anthony-weiner-hannity|archive-date=November 17, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Tweeden was seen in pre- and post-game coverage of the [[Los Angeles Angels]] of Anaheim on [[Fox Sports West and Prime Ticket|Fox Sports West]] and on [[Fox Sports 1]]'s ''[[UFC Tonight]]'', with [[Kenny Florian]] and [[Ariel Helwani]].<ref name=IMDB />
In 1992, while working as a hostess at a [[Hooters]] restaurant in [[Colorado Springs, Colorado]], she won first place in the [[Venus Fashion|Venus International]] Model Search. This break led to national exposure, including a regular role as a fitness model on the TV show ''[[Fitness Beach]]''. Tweeden modeled for promotional work for Hooters (which included an appearance in the restaurant's 1994 calendar), Venus International, and [[Frederick's of Hollywood]].<ref name=PBprofile/> In the early 2000s, Tweeden hosted many segments of the Fox Sports Net show, ''Bluetorch TV''.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?ggTabw5o6o8?t=6s] Bluetorch TV</ref> Tweeden was a correspondent for [[Fox Sports Networks]]' ''[[The Best Damn Sports Show Period]]'' from 2001 to 2007. In 2008, Tweeden became the third hostess of the [[NBC]] [[late night television]] series ''[[Poker After Dark]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/23011821 |title=Poker on NBC |access-date=2008-07-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080903225437/http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/23011821 |archive-date=September 3, 2008|url-status=dead }}</ref> She has also appeared on the political discussion series ''[[Hannity]]'' in 2011 and 2012.<ref name=WashPost11.16.17/> She was a member of the "Great American Panel" and also occasionally appeared on the panel of ''[[Red Eye (talk show)|Red Eye w/ Greg Gutfeld]]''.<ref name=IMDB>{{IMDb name|nm1204486}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://insider.foxnews.com/2013/07/26/watch-eboni-williams-defends-anthony-weiner-hannity|title=Defending Weiner? 'My Mayor Is Not My Husband, Sean!'|last=Hannity|date=July 26, 2013|work=Fox News Insider|access-date=2017-11-16|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117074147/http://insider.foxnews.com/2013/07/26/watch-eboni-williams-defends-anthony-weiner-hannity|archive-date=November 17, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Tweeden was seen in pre- and post-game coverage of the [[Los Angeles Angels]] of Anaheim on [[Bally Sports West|Fox Sports West]] and on [[Fox Sports 1]]'s ''[[UFC Tonight]]'', with [[Kenny Florian]] and [[Ariel Helwani]].<ref name=IMDB />


On February 7, 2017, Tweeden joined the cast of the Los Angeles morning radio show ''[[Doug McIntyre|McIntyre in the Morning]]'' on [[KABC (AM)|KABC]], 790 AM as the news anchor.<ref name=anchor>[https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/162421/leeann-tweeden-named-news-anchor-for-kabc-los-ange "Leeann Tweeden Named News Anchor For KABC/Los Angeles 'McIntyre In The Morning'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117123155/https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/162421/leeann-tweeden-named-news-anchor-for-kabc-los-ange |date=November 17, 2017 }}, AllAccess.com, February 7, 2017. Retrieved November 16, 2017.</ref>
On February 7, 2017, Tweeden joined the cast of the Los Angeles morning radio show ''[[Doug McIntyre|McIntyre in the Morning]]'' on [[KABC (AM)|KABC]], 790 AM as the news anchor.<ref name=anchor>[https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/162421/leeann-tweeden-named-news-anchor-for-kabc-los-ange "Leeann Tweeden Named News Anchor For KABC/Los Angeles 'McIntyre In The Morning'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117123155/https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/162421/leeann-tweeden-named-news-anchor-for-kabc-los-ange |date=November 17, 2017 }}, AllAccess.com, February 7, 2017. Retrieved November 16, 2017.</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Leeann Tweeden Joins 790 KABC's 'McIntyre in the Morning' as News Anchor |url=http://www.kabc.com/2017/02/07/leeann-tweeden-joins-790-kabcs-mcintyre-in-the-morning-as-news-anchor |website=www.kabc.com |date=7 February 2017 |access-date=August 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816191735/http://www.kabc.com/2017/02/07/leeann-tweeden-joins-790-kabcs-mcintyre-in-the-morning-as-news-anchor/ |archive-date=August 16, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web |title=Leeann Tweeden Joins 790 KABC's 'McIntyre in the Morning' as News Anchor |url=http://www.kabc.com/2017/02/07/leeann-tweeden-joins-790-kabcs-mcintyre-in-the-morning-as-news-anchor |website=www.kabc.com |date=7 February 2017 |access-date=August 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816191735/http://www.kabc.com/2017/02/07/leeann-tweeden-joins-790-kabcs-mcintyre-in-the-morning-as-news-anchor/ |archive-date=August 16, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>


On January 7, 2019, Tweeden became the co-host of ''[[Dr. Drew|Dr. Drew Midday]]'' on KABC, 790 AM.<ref name=drdrew>{{cite web |title=KABC/Los Angeles Shuffles Lineup, Puts Ben Shapiro In PM Drive, John Phillips And Jillian Barberie In Mornings |url=https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/182901/kabc-los-angeles-shuffles-lineup-puts-ben-shapiro- |website=www.allaccess.com |access-date=July 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723204237/https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/182901/kabc-los-angeles-shuffles-lineup-puts-ben-shapiro- |archive-date=July 23, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>
On January 7, 2019, Tweeden became the co-host of ''[[Dr. Drew|Dr. Drew Midday]]'' on KABC, 790 AM.<ref name=drdrew>{{cite web |title=KABC/Los Angeles Shuffles Lineup, Puts Ben Shapiro In PM Drive, John Phillips And Jillian Barberie In Mornings |url=https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/182901/kabc-los-angeles-shuffles-lineup-puts-ben-shapiro- |website=www.allaccess.com |access-date=July 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723204237/https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/182901/kabc-los-angeles-shuffles-lineup-puts-ben-shapiro- |archive-date=July 23, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>


=== Appearances ===
=== Appearances ===
In August 1996, Tweeden appeared on the cover of ''[[Playboy]]'' magazine and as part of a fitness model pictorial for that issue. She did not appear nude.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mearsonlineauctions.com/1996-leeann-tweeden-best-damn-sports-show-period-signed-playboy-magazine-(jsa)-lot66367.aspx |title=1996 Leeann Tweeden Best Damn Sports Show Period Signed Playboy Magazine |website=mearsonlineauctions.com |access-date=January 24, 2020}}</ref> In December 2011, at 38 years old, she again appeared on the cover of ''Playboy'', this time in a nude pictorial.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.espn.com/espn/page2/index/_/id/7220857 | title=Poker TV Host Leann Tweeden Poses For Playboy | publisher=ESPN | access-date=October 31, 2020 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cardplayer.com/poker-news/12304-leeann-tweeden-poses-for-playboy-magazine |title=Leeann Tweeden Poses For Playboy Magazine: Former Poker After Dark Hostess Bares All |last=Rodriguez |first=Julio |date=November 11, 2011 |website=cardplayer.com |access-date=January 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107052222/http://www.cardplayer.com/poker-news/12304-leeann-tweeden-poses-for-playboy-magazine |archive-date=January 7, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
In August 1996, Tweeden appeared on the cover of ''[[Playboy]]'' magazine and as part of a fitness model pictorial for that issue. She did not appear nude.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mearsonlineauctions.com/1996-leeann-tweeden-best-damn-sports-show-period-signed-playboy-magazine-(jsa)-lot66367.aspx |title=1996 Leeann Tweeden Best Damn Sports Show Period Signed Playboy Magazine |website=mearsonlineauctions.com |access-date=January 24, 2020}}</ref> In December 2011, at 38 years old, she again appeared on the cover of ''Playboy'', and in that issue was featured in a nude pictorial.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.espn.com/espn/page2/index/_/id/7220857 | title=Poker TV Host Leann Tweeden Poses For Playboy | publisher=ESPN | access-date=October 31, 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cardplayer.com/poker-news/12304-leeann-tweeden-poses-for-playboy-magazine |title=Leeann Tweeden Poses For Playboy Magazine: Former Poker After Dark Hostess Bares All |last=Rodriguez |first=Julio |date=November 11, 2011 |website=cardplayer.com |access-date=January 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107052222/http://www.cardplayer.com/poker-news/12304-leeann-tweeden-poses-for-playboy-magazine |archive-date=January 7, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>


In 2002, she was a guest character in the [[motocross]] video game ''[[Freekstyle]]'' as a motocross rider.{{citation needed|date=November 2019}} The March 2007 issue of ''[[FHM]]'' (the final U.S. issue ever printed) featured Tweeden as the cover girl.<ref>[http://www.fhmus.com/girls/covergirls/tweeden-1105/1.asp ''FHM''s Leeann Tweeden interview and photo spread] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051001024056/http://www.fhmus.com/girls/covergirls/tweeden-1105/1.asp |date=October 1, 2005 }}</ref> As part of Hooters' 25th anniversary in 2008, she was named among "The Top Hooters Girls of all time".<ref>"The Top HOOTERS Girls of all time". ''HOOTERS Magazine''. July/ August 2008. p. 108.</ref>
In 2002, she was a guest character in the [[motocross]] video game ''[[Freekstyle]]'' as a motocross rider.{{citation needed|date=November 2019}} The March 2007 issue of ''[[FHM]]'' (the final U.S. issue ever printed) featured Tweeden as the cover girl.<ref>[http://www.fhmus.com/girls/covergirls/tweeden-1105/1.asp ''FHM''s Leeann Tweeden interview and photo spread] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051001024056/http://www.fhmus.com/girls/covergirls/tweeden-1105/1.asp |date=October 1, 2005 }}</ref> As part of Hooters' 25th anniversary in 2008, she was named among "The Top Hooters Girls of all time".<ref>"The Top HOOTERS Girls of all time". ''HOOTERS Magazine''. July/ August 2008. p. 108.</ref>
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[[File:Franken Tweeden Kuwait.jpg|thumb|upright|Franken and Tweeden in Kuwait on their 2006 USO tour]]
[[File:Franken Tweeden Kuwait.jpg|thumb|upright|Franken and Tweeden in Kuwait on their 2006 USO tour]]
On October 30, 2017, California Congresswoman [[Jackie Speier]] was interviewed by the McIntyre show about a sexual assault that occurred when she was in her 20s and was a congressional staffer for Representative [[Leo Ryan]].<ref name="Franken">{{cite magazine |last1=Mayer |first1=Jane |title=The Case of Al Franken |url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/07/29/the-case-of-al-franken |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722182057/https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/07/29/the-case-of-al-franken |archive-date=July 22, 2019 |access-date=July 23, 2019 |magazine=The New Yorker |issue=July 29, 2019}}</ref> She alleged that Ryan's [[chief of staff]] "kissed me and stuck his tongue in my mouth".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Stracqualuris|first1=Veronica|last2=Bruce|first2=Mary|last3=Parkinson|first3=John|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/california-congresswoman-alleges-sexual-harassment-capitol-hill/story?id=50757857|title=California congresswoman alleges sexual harassment on Capitol Hill|publisher=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]|date=October 27, 2017|access-date=July 25, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171027170000/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/california-congresswoman-alleges-sexual-harassment-capitol-hill/story?id=50757857|archive-date=October 27, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> According to the show's host [[Doug McIntyre]], that led to a conversation with Tweeden about an alleged incident of sexual harassment between her and Minnesota U.S. Senator [[Al Franken]].<ref name="Franken" /> With McIntyre's assistance, Tweeden prepared to make a public statement about her allegations.<ref name="Franken" />
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On October 30, 2017, California Congresswoman [[Jackie Speier]] was interviewed by the McIntyre show about a sexual assault that occurred when she was in her 20s and was a congressional staffer for Representative [[Leo Ryan]].<ref name=Franken/> She reported Ryan's [[chief of staff]] "kissed me and stuck his tongue in my mouth".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Stracqualuris|first1=Veronica|last2=Bruce|first2=Mary|last3=Parkinson|first3=John|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/california-congresswoman-alleges-sexual-harassment-capitol-hill/story?id=50757857|title=California congresswoman alleges sexual harassment on Capitol Hill|publisher=[[ABC News]]|date=October 27, 2017|access-date=July 25, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171027170000/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/california-congresswoman-alleges-sexual-harassment-capitol-hill/story?id=50757857|archive-date=October 27, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> McIntyre said that led to a conversation with Tweeden about an alleged incident between her and Minnesota U.S. Senator [[Al Franken]]. Two weeks later, self-described agent provocateur and right-wing Republican operative [[Roger Stone]] wrote, "It’s Al Franken's 'time in the barrel.'<ref name=Franken/><ref>[https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/after-indictment-pressure-on-stone-is-significant-says-former-prosecutor After indictment, pressure on Stone is ‘significant,’ says former prosecutor] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723100131/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/after-indictment-pressure-on-stone-is-significant-says-former-prosecutor |date=July 23, 2019 }}, ''[[PBS Newshour]]'', January 25, 2019. Accessed July 23, 2019.</ref> Franken next in long list of Democrats to be accused of 'grabby' behavior."<ref name=Franken/> Following the posting of Tweeden's story, far-right{{refn|<ref name="VeCOO">Bote, Joshua (March 13, 2020) [https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/03/13/infowars-alex-jones-stop-selling-fake-coronavirus-cures/5044309002/ "Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones ordered to stop peddling phony coronavirus cures by New York AG"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200517150704/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/03/13/infowars-alex-jones-stop-selling-fake-coronavirus-cures/5044309002/ |date=May 17, 2020}} ''[[USA Today]]''</ref><ref name="JiyOf">Griffing, Alexander (August 6, 2018) [https://www.haaretz.com/us-news/remember-when-donald-trump-appeared-on-alex-jones-infowars-1.5443723 "Remember When Donald Trump Appeared on Alex Jones' 'InfoWars'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200525022439/https://www.haaretz.com/us-news/remember-when-donald-trump-appeared-on-alex-jones-infowars-1.5443723 |date=May 25, 2020}} ''[[Haaretz]]''</ref><ref name="fHPFM">Cox Media Group National Content Desk (March 10, 2020) [https://www.wsbtv.com/news/trending/conspiracy-theorist-alex-jones-arrested-texas/ACVC32YMXNBZFCQIVWA5COY75Y/ "Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones arrested in Texas"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310233155/https://www.wsbtv.com/news/trending/conspiracy-theorist-alex-jones-arrested-texas/ACVC32YMXNBZFCQIVWA5COY75Y/ |date=March 10, 2020}} [[WSB-TV]]</ref><ref name="bOTas">Sheffield, Matthew (August 9, 2018) [https://thehill.com/hilltv/rising/401354-neo-nazis-hope-to-leverage-alex-jones-controversy-to-their-benefit "Neo-Nazis hope to leverage Alex Jones controversies one year after Charlottesville violence"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109010350/http://thehill.com/hilltv/rising/401354-neo-nazis-hope-to-leverage-alex-jones-controversy-to-their-benefit |date=November 9, 2020}} ''[[The Hill (newspaper)|The Hill]]''</ref><ref name="pfVLO">Henning Santiago, Amanda Luz (March 13, 2020) [https://www.cityandstateny.com/articles/politics/new-york-state/letitia-james-sends-alex-jones-cease-and-desist-letter.html "Tish declares war on Alex Jones' toothpaste"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206223807/https://www.cityandstateny.com/articles/politics/new-york-state/letitia-james-sends-alex-jones-cease-and-desist-letter.html |date=December 6, 2020}} ''City & State New York''</ref><ref name="q2RP7">Wagner, Kurt (May 2, 2019) [https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-05-02/facebook-bans-alex-jones-yiannopoulos-other-far-right-figures "Facebook Bans Alex Jones, Milo Yiannopoulos, Other Far-Right Figures"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624131254/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-05-02/facebook-bans-alex-jones-yiannopoulos-other-far-right-figures |date=June 24, 2019}} ''[[Bloomberg News]]''</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=McGovern|first=Tim|date=May 2, 2019|title=Far-Right Personality Alex Jones Banned from Facebook and Instagram for Being a 'Dangerous' Individual|url=https://people.com/human-interest/alex-jones-banned-facebook-instagram/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-10|website=[[People (magazine)|People]]|language=en}}</ref>}} [[radio host|radio show host]] and prominent{{efn|<!--break for syntax highl. reasons-->
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''[[New York (magazine)|New York]]'' magazine has described Jones as "America's leading conspiracy theorist",<ref name="NYMAG.Interview">{{cite web|first=Joe|last=Ciscarelli|title=An Interview With Alex Jones, America's Leading (and Proudest) Conspiracy Theorist|url=https://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2013/11/alex-jones-americas-top-conspiracy-theorist.html|newspaper=[[New York (magazine)|New York]]|publisher=[[New York Media]]|location=New York|date=November 17, 2013|access-date=September 8, 2014|archive-date=September 8, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140908181340/http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2013/11/alex-jones-americas-top-conspiracy-theorist.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and the [[Southern Poverty Law Center]] describes him as "the most prolific conspiracy theorist in contemporary America".<ref name="splc">{{cite web|url=http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/intelligence-files/profiles/alex-jones|title=Alex Jones Profile|publisher=[[Southern Poverty Law Center]]|access-date=June 11, 2012|archive-date=July 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715010756/http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/intelligence-files/profiles/alex-jones|url-status=live}}</ref>}} [[conspiracy theorist]].{{refn|<ref name="Roig-Franzia">{{cite web|first=Manuel|last=Roig-Franzia|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/how-alex-jones-conspiracy-theorist-extraordinaire-got-donald-trumps-ear/2016/11/17/583dc190-ab3e-11e6-8b45-f8e493f06fcd_story.html|title=How Alex Jones, conspiracy theorist extraordinaire, got Donald Trump's ear|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|publisher=Nash Holdings LLC|location=Washington, DC|date=November 17, 2016|access-date=December 8, 2016|archive-date=November 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191123065807/https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/how-alex-jones-conspiracy-theorist-extraordinaire-got-donald-trumps-ear/2016/11/17/583dc190-ab3e-11e6-8b45-f8e493f06fcd_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="BBC-Rajan">{{cite news |last1=Rajan |first1=Amol |title=Alex Jones, Infowars, and the new public sphere |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-45113362 |access-date=August 8, 2018 |work=[[BBC News]] |date=August 8, 2018 |archive-date=August 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180809115133/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-45113362 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Byford2011">{{cite book|first=Jovan|last=Byford|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m5Er9ELOwQkC&pg=PA11|title=Conspiracy Theories: A Critical Introduction|publisher=[[Palgrave Macmillan]]|location=Basingstoke, England|year= 2011|access-date=November 23, 2013|isbn=978-0-230-34921-6|page=11|archive-date=January 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103100131/http://books.google.com/books?id=m5Er9ELOwQkC&pg=PA11|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="YbEkU">{{cite news|last=Buncombe|first=Andrew|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/conspiracies-swirl-as-officials-say-scalia-died-of-natural-causes-a6876161.html|title=The Scalia conspiracy theories are getting out of hand|date=February 15, 2016|website=The Independent|language=en-GB|access-date=May 20, 2016|archive-date=June 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611032735/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/conspiracies-swirl-as-officials-say-scalia-died-of-natural-causes-a6876161.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Knight">{{cite journal|first=Peter|last=Knight|title=Outrageous Conspiracy Theories: Popular and Official Responses to 9/11 in Germany and the United States|journal=[[New German Critique]]|volume=35|issue=103|pages=165–193|date=Winter 2008|jstor=27669225|doi=10.1215/0094033X-2007-024}}</ref><ref name="ScAsq">{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/alex-jones-lawsuit-sandy-hook-1.4769556|title=Controversial talk show host Alex Jones to seek dismissal of lawsuit by Sandy Hook parents|work=CBC News|first=Thomson|last=Reuters|date=August 1, 2018|access-date=August 14, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=August 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813122817/https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/alex-jones-lawsuit-sandy-hook-1.4769556|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ZkwoK">{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-facebook-extremists-usa-idUSKCN1S82D7|title=Facebook bans Alex Jones, other extremist figures|newspaper=Reuters|date=May 3, 2019|via=www.reuters.com|access-date=August 1, 2020|archive-date=June 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614100159/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-facebook-extremists-usa-idUSKCN1S82D7|url-status=live|last1=Paul|first1=Katie}}</ref>}} [[Alex Jones]], broadcast that Stone had told him, in advance, "Get ready. Franken’s next". Stone told author and ''[[The New Yorker|New Yorker]]'' reporter [[Jane Mayer]] that a Fox broadcasting executive, a friend of Tweeden had advised him of the story.<ref name=Franken/>


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Ahead of Tweeden's public statements, a Fox news executive tipped off [[Conservatism in the United States|conservative]] [[Political consulting|political consultant]] [[Roger Stone]]. Stone circulated news of the allegations to right-wing media and made Twitter posts referring to the allegations, including a statement that "It’s Al Franken's 'time in the barrel.{{' "}}.<ref name="Franken" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-01-25 |title=After indictment, pressure on Stone is 'significant,' says former prosecutor |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/after-indictment-pressure-on-stone-is-significant-says-former-prosecutor |access-date=2024-02-10 |website=PBS NewsHour |language=en-us}}</ref> Following the posting of Tweeden's story, far-right{{refn|<ref name="VeCOO">Bote, Joshua (March 13, 2020) [https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/03/13/infowars-alex-jones-stop-selling-fake-coronavirus-cures/5044309002/ "Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones ordered to stop peddling phony coronavirus cures by New York AG"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200517150704/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/03/13/infowars-alex-jones-stop-selling-fake-coronavirus-cures/5044309002/ |date=May 17, 2020}} ''[[USA Today]]''</ref><ref name="JiyOf">Griffing, Alexander (August 6, 2018) [https://www.haaretz.com/us-news/remember-when-donald-trump-appeared-on-alex-jones-infowars-1.5443723 "Remember When Donald Trump Appeared on Alex Jones' 'InfoWars'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200525022439/https://www.haaretz.com/us-news/remember-when-donald-trump-appeared-on-alex-jones-infowars-1.5443723 |date=May 25, 2020}} ''[[Haaretz]]''</ref><ref name="fHPFM">Cox Media Group National Content Desk (March 10, 2020) [https://www.wsbtv.com/news/trending/conspiracy-theorist-alex-jones-arrested-texas/ACVC32YMXNBZFCQIVWA5COY75Y/ "Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones arrested in Texas"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310233155/https://www.wsbtv.com/news/trending/conspiracy-theorist-alex-jones-arrested-texas/ACVC32YMXNBZFCQIVWA5COY75Y/ |date=March 10, 2020}} [[WSB-TV]]</ref><ref name="bOTas">Sheffield, Matthew (August 9, 2018) [https://thehill.com/hilltv/rising/401354-neo-nazis-hope-to-leverage-alex-jones-controversy-to-their-benefit/ "Neo-Nazis hope to leverage Alex Jones controversies one year after Charlottesville violence"] ''[[The Hill (newspaper)|The Hill]]''</ref><ref name="pfVLO">Henning Santiago, Amanda Luz (March 13, 2020) [https://www.cityandstateny.com/articles/politics/new-york-state/letitia-james-sends-alex-jones-cease-and-desist-letter.html "Tish declares war on Alex Jones' toothpaste"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206223807/https://www.cityandstateny.com/articles/politics/new-york-state/letitia-james-sends-alex-jones-cease-and-desist-letter.html |date=December 6, 2020}} ''City & State New York''</ref><ref name="q2RP7">Wagner, Kurt (May 2, 2019) [https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-05-02/facebook-bans-alex-jones-yiannopoulos-other-far-right-figures "Facebook Bans Alex Jones, Milo Yiannopoulos, Other Far-Right Figures"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624131254/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-05-02/facebook-bans-alex-jones-yiannopoulos-other-far-right-figures |date=June 24, 2019}} ''[[Bloomberg News]]''</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=McGovern|first=Tim|date=May 2, 2019|title=Far-Right Personality Alex Jones Banned from Facebook and Instagram for Being a 'Dangerous' Individual|url=https://people.com/human-interest/alex-jones-banned-facebook-instagram/|access-date=2021-09-10|website=[[People (magazine)|People]]|language=en}}</ref>}} [[radio host|radio show host]] and prominent{{efn|<!--break for syntax highl. reasons-->
On November 16, 2017, Tweeden gave an interview to [[790 KABC]] and wrote in a post on its website that Franken behaved inappropriately toward her when the two were on a 2006 [[USO tour]] to the [[Middle East]]. Tweeden stated that Franken, who in 2008 had been elected to the Senate from Minnesota, insisted that they rehearse the kiss that appeared in the script for a skit in the USO show: "I said 'OK' so he would stop badgering me. We did the line leading up to the kiss and then he came at me, put his hand on the back of my head, mashed his lips against mine and aggressively stuck his tongue in my mouth."<ref name=Tweeden16Nov2017/> She said she pushed him away, feeling "disgusted and violated".<ref name=Tweeden16Nov2017>Tweeden, Leeann (November 16, 2017) [http://www.kabc.com/2017/11/16/leeann-tweeden-on-senator-al-franken/ "Senator Al Franken Kissed and Groped Me Without My Consent, And There’s Nothing Funny About It"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116153732/http://www.kabc.com/2017/11/16/leeann-tweeden-on-senator-al-franken/ |date=November 16, 2017 }}, 790KABC.</ref><ref name=WPost16Nov2017>Wang, Amy B; Ye Hee Lee, Michelle; Bever, Lindsey (November 16, 2017). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2017/11/16/al-franken-kissed-and-groped-me-without-my-consent-broadcaster-leeann-tweeden-says "'Al Franken kissed and groped me without my consent,' broadcaster Leeann Tweeden says"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116171239/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2017/11/16/al-franken-kissed-and-groped-me-without-my-consent-broadcaster-leeann-tweeden-says/ |date=November 16, 2017 }}, ''[[The Washington Post]]''.</ref><ref name=NYT16Nov2017>Fandos, Nicholas (November 16, 2017). [https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/16/us/politics/al-franken-sexual-harassment-groping-forcible-kissing.html "Senator Al Franken Accused of Groping a Woman in 2006"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116201522/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/16/us/politics/al-franken-sexual-harassment-groping-forcible-kissing.html |date=November 16, 2017 }}, ''The New York Times''.</ref> Tweeden wrote that Franken also posed for a photograph with her while she was asleep on the C-17 cargo plane flying home.<ref name=Tweeden16Nov2017/> According to ''The Washington Post'', the photograph, "shows Franken looking into a camera, his hands either over or on Tweeden’s chest as she slept".<ref name=WPost16Nov2017/><ref name=NYT16Nov2017/><ref>{{cite web|last1=Reuters Staff|title=Woman accuses Senator Al Franken of unwanted groping, kiss|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-congress-franken/woman-accuses-senator-al-franken-of-unwanted-groping-kiss-idUSKBN1DG2LB|website=Reuters|date=November 16, 2017|access-date=November 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171120001031/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-congress-franken/woman-accuses-senator-al-franken-of-unwanted-groping-kiss-idUSKBN1DG2LB|archive-date=November 20, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> A subsequent review of the photo revealed that it may have been a parody of a skit that had been used in the USO show's comedy routine. In the skit, Franken appears as a doctor who informs Tweeden's character that "a woman your age should have a complete breast examination every year"; Franken then approaches her with his arms outstretched and his hands aimed at her chest.<ref name=Franken/>
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''[[New York (magazine)|New York]]'' magazine has described Jones as "America's leading conspiracy theorist",<ref name="NYMAG.Interview">{{cite web|first=Joe|last=Ciscarelli|title=An Interview With Alex Jones, America's Leading (and Proudest) Conspiracy Theorist|url=https://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2013/11/alex-jones-americas-top-conspiracy-theorist.html|newspaper=[[New York (magazine)|New York]]|publisher=[[New York Media]]|location=New York|date=November 17, 2013|access-date=September 8, 2014|archive-date=September 8, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140908181340/http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2013/11/alex-jones-americas-top-conspiracy-theorist.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and the [[Southern Poverty Law Center]] describes him as "the most prolific conspiracy theorist in contemporary America".<ref name="splc">{{cite web|url=http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/intelligence-files/profiles/alex-jones|title=Alex Jones Profile|publisher=[[Southern Poverty Law Center]]|access-date=June 11, 2012|archive-date=July 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715010756/http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/intelligence-files/profiles/alex-jones|url-status=live}}</ref>}} [[conspiracy theorist]]{{refn|<ref name="Roig-Franzia">{{cite web|first=Manuel|last=Roig-Franzia|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/how-alex-jones-conspiracy-theorist-extraordinaire-got-donald-trumps-ear/2016/11/17/583dc190-ab3e-11e6-8b45-f8e493f06fcd_story.html|title=How Alex Jones, conspiracy theorist extraordinaire, got Donald Trump's ear|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|publisher=Nash Holdings LLC|location=Washington, DC|date=November 17, 2016|access-date=December 8, 2016|archive-date=November 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191123065807/https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/how-alex-jones-conspiracy-theorist-extraordinaire-got-donald-trumps-ear/2016/11/17/583dc190-ab3e-11e6-8b45-f8e493f06fcd_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="BBC-Rajan">{{cite news |last1=Rajan |first1=Amol |title=Alex Jones, Infowars, and the new public sphere |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-45113362 |access-date=August 8, 2018 |work=[[BBC News]] |date=August 8, 2018 |archive-date=August 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180809115133/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-45113362 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Byford2011">{{cite book|first=Jovan|last=Byford|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m5Er9ELOwQkC&pg=PA11|title=Conspiracy Theories: A Critical Introduction|publisher=[[Palgrave Macmillan]]|location=Basingstoke, England|year= 2011|access-date=November 23, 2013|isbn=978-0-230-34921-6|page=11|archive-date=January 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103100131/http://books.google.com/books?id=m5Er9ELOwQkC&pg=PA11|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="YbEkU">{{cite news|last=Buncombe|first=Andrew|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/conspiracies-swirl-as-officials-say-scalia-died-of-natural-causes-a6876161.html|title=The Scalia conspiracy theories are getting out of hand|date=February 15, 2016|website=The Independent|language=en-GB|access-date=May 20, 2016|archive-date=June 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611032735/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/conspiracies-swirl-as-officials-say-scalia-died-of-natural-causes-a6876161.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Knight">{{cite journal|first=Peter|last=Knight|title=Outrageous Conspiracy Theories: Popular and Official Responses to 9/11 in Germany and the United States|journal=[[New German Critique]]|volume=35|issue=103|pages=165–193|date=Winter 2008|jstor=27669225|doi=10.1215/0094033X-2007-024}}</ref><ref name="ScAsq">{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/alex-jones-lawsuit-sandy-hook-1.4769556|title=Controversial talk show host Alex Jones to seek dismissal of lawsuit by Sandy Hook parents|work=CBC News|agency=Reuters|date=August 1, 2018|access-date=August 14, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=August 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813122817/https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/alex-jones-lawsuit-sandy-hook-1.4769556|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ZkwoK">{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-facebook-extremists-usa-idUSKCN1S82D7|title=Facebook bans Alex Jones, other extremist figures|newspaper=Reuters|date=May 3, 2019|via=www.reuters.com|access-date=August 1, 2020|archive-date=June 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614100159/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-facebook-extremists-usa-idUSKCN1S82D7|url-status=live|last1=Paul|first1=Katie}}</ref>}} [[Alex Jones]] broadcast that Stone had told him, in advance, "Get ready. Franken’s next".<ref name="Franken" />


Although Tweeden stated "he wrote that sketch just to kiss me", it was later confirmed that the same kissing skit had been performed on the USO tour by several other actresses in previous years. It had been intended as a callback to the Bob Hope/Raquel Welch USO skits of the Vietnam era. Numerous witnesses on that tour recalled that Tweeden had performed the skit on multiple occasions.<ref name=Franken>{{cite magazine |last1=Mayer |first1=Jane |title=The Case of Al Franken |magazine=The New Yorker |access-date=July 23, 2019 |issue=July 29, 2019 |url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/07/29/the-case-of-al-franken |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722182057/https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/07/29/the-case-of-al-franken |archive-date=July 22, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> CNBC's [[John Harwood (journalist)|John Harwood]] said in defense of Franken, referring to a video taken of her "humping" a surprised, married comedian [[Robin Williams]] on a similar 2004 USO tour, "[T]hat pic was obviously a joke, not groping, just like Leeann Tweeden wrapping her leg around Robin Williams and smacking his butt; entertainment for soldiers deployed overseas is raunchy like that."<ref>[https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/a-teenaged-accusation-against-brett-kavanaugh-is-no-excuse-to-rehabilitate-adult-serial-sexual-predator-al-franken A teenaged accusation against Brett Kavanaugh is no excuse to rehabilitate adult serial sexual predator Al Franken] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403013725/https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/a-teenaged-accusation-against-brett-kavanaugh-is-no-excuse-to-rehabilitate-adult-serial-sexual-predator-al-franken |date=April 3, 2019 }}, ''[[Washington Examiner]]'', Becket Adams, September 17, 2018. Retrieved April 3, 2019.</ref> Franken responded, saying: "I certainly don't remember the rehearsal for the skit in the same way, but I send my sincerest apologies to Leeann. [...] As to the photo, it was clearly intended to be funny but wasn't. I shouldn't have done it."<ref>[https://variety.com/2017/politics/news/al-franken-accused-groping-radio-host-1202616459/ Variety Magazine: "Al Franken Apologizes After Being Accused of Groping, Kissing Radio Host Without Consent" By Maane Khatchatourian] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117002645/http://variety.com/2017/politics/news/al-franken-accused-groping-radio-host-1202616459/ |date=November 17, 2017 }}, November 16, 2017</ref> He issued a longer apology later,<ref>{{cite news|title=Read Al Franken's apology following accusation of groping and kissing without consent|url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/11/16/politics/al-franken-apology/index.html|publisher=CNN|date=November 17, 2017|access-date=November 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116234557/http://www.cnn.com/2017/11/16/politics/al-franken-apology/index.html|archive-date=November 16, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> which Tweeden accepted.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Savransky|first1=Rebecca|title=Woman who accused Franken says she accepts his apology|url=http://thehill.com/homenews/news/360709-woman-who-accused-franken-says-she-accepts-his-apology|website=The Hill|date=November 17, 2017|access-date=November 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171118225328/http://thehill.com/homenews/news/360709-woman-who-accused-franken-says-she-accepts-his-apology|archive-date=November 18, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Other accusations of sexual misconduct—including grabbing a woman's bottom while posing for a photo—followed Tweeden's.<ref name=Franken/> Franken resigned from the Senate on January 2, 2018.<ref name="strib-franken-resigns">{{Cite news |url=http://www.startribune.com/transition-time-franken-moves-out-smith-moves-in/467678623/ |title=Transition time: Franken moves out, Smith moves in |last=Rao |first=Maya |date=January 2, 2018 |access-date=January 2, 2018 |website=Star Tribune |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180102232408/http://www.startribune.com/transition-time-franken-moves-out-smith-moves-in/467678623/ |archive-date=January 2, 2018 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name=Franken/>
On November 16, 2017, Tweeden went public with the allegations in a blog post and radio interview. According to Tweeden, Franken kissed her on a 2006 [[USO]] tour during a rehearsal for a comedy skit in which they kissed. She wrote that he "came at me, put his hand on the back of my head, mashed his lips against mine and aggressively stuck his tongue in my mouth."<ref name="Tweeden16Nov20172">{{cite web |last=Tweeden |first=Leann |author-link=Leann Tweeden |date=November 16, 2017 |title=Senator Al Franken Kissed and Groped Me Without My Consent, And There's Nothing Funny About It |url=http://www.kabc.com/2017/11/16/leeann-tweeden-on-senator-al-franken/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116153732/http://www.kabc.com/2017/11/16/leeann-tweeden-on-senator-al-franken/ |archive-date=November 16, 2017 |access-date=December 9, 2017 |publisher=[[790 KABC]]}}</ref> She said she pushed him away, feeling "disgusted and violated".<ref name="Tweeden16Nov20172" /> Tweeden's post alleged that Franken "wrote that sketch just to kiss me".<ref name="Franken" /> Tweeden wrote that Franken also posed for a photograph with her while she was asleep on the C-17 cargo plane flying home.<ref name="Tweeden16Nov2017">Tweeden, Leeann (November 16, 2017) [http://www.kabc.com/2017/11/16/leeann-tweeden-on-senator-al-franken/ "Senator Al Franken Kissed and Groped Me Without My Consent, And There’s Nothing Funny About It"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116153732/http://www.kabc.com/2017/11/16/leeann-tweeden-on-senator-al-franken/|date=November 16, 2017}}, 790KABC.</ref> According to ''The Washington Post'', the photograph "shows Franken looking into a camera, his hands either over or on Tweeden’s chest as she slept".<ref name="WPost16Nov2017">Wang, Amy B; Ye Hee Lee, Michelle; Bever, Lindsey (November 16, 2017). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2017/11/16/al-franken-kissed-and-groped-me-without-my-consent-broadcaster-leeann-tweeden-says "'Al Franken kissed and groped me without my consent,' broadcaster Leeann Tweeden says"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116171239/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2017/11/16/al-franken-kissed-and-groped-me-without-my-consent-broadcaster-leeann-tweeden-says/|date=November 16, 2017}}, ''[[The Washington Post]]''.</ref><ref name="NYT16Nov2017">Fandos, Nicholas (November 16, 2017). [https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/16/us/politics/al-franken-sexual-harassment-groping-forcible-kissing.html "Senator Al Franken Accused of Groping a Woman in 2006"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116201522/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/16/us/politics/al-franken-sexual-harassment-groping-forcible-kissing.html|date=November 16, 2017}}, ''The New York Times''.</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Woman accuses Senator Al Franken of unwanted groping, kiss|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-congress-franken/woman-accuses-senator-al-franken-of-unwanted-groping-kiss-idUSKBN1DG2LB|website=Reuters|date=November 16, 2017|access-date=November 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171120001031/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-congress-franken/woman-accuses-senator-al-franken-of-unwanted-groping-kiss-idUSKBN1DG2LB|archive-date=November 20, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

Franken disputed Tweeden's version. In a long-form article covering the allegations for ''The New Yorker'', [[Jane Mayer]] wrote that, according to Franken, Tweeden's "accusations appropriated jokes from comic routines that they’d performed together".<ref name="Franken" /> Franken denied writing the skit solely to kiss Tweeden; he had performed similar skits involving kissing in 2004 and 2005. These were intended as references to the "frankly lascivious" Bob Hope/Raquel Welch USO skits of the Vietnam era.<ref name="Franken" /> The photograph may have been taken as a parody of a skit that had been used in the USO show's comedy routine. In the skit, Franken appears as a doctor who informs Tweeden's character that "a woman your age should have a complete breast examination every year"; Franken then approaches her with his arms outstretched and his hands aimed at her chest.<ref name="Franken" />

CNBC's [[John Harwood (journalist)|John Harwood]] defended Franken by pointing out that Tweeden had been filmed on a 2004 USO tour "humping" comedian [[Robin Williams]]: "[T]hat pic was obviously a joke, not groping, just like Leeann Tweeden wrapping her leg around Robin Williams and smacking his butt; entertainment for soldiers deployed overseas is raunchy like that."<ref>[https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/a-teenaged-accusation-against-brett-kavanaugh-is-no-excuse-to-rehabilitate-adult-serial-sexual-predator-al-franken A teenaged accusation against Brett Kavanaugh is no excuse to rehabilitate adult serial sexual predator Al Franken] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403013725/https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/a-teenaged-accusation-against-brett-kavanaugh-is-no-excuse-to-rehabilitate-adult-serial-sexual-predator-al-franken |date=April 3, 2019 }}, ''[[Washington Examiner]]'', Becket Adams, September 17, 2018. Retrieved April 3, 2019.</ref>

Franken responded, saying: "I certainly don't remember the rehearsal for the skit in the same way, but I send my sincerest apologies to Leeann. [...] As to the photo, it was clearly intended to be funny but wasn't. I shouldn't have done it."<ref>[https://variety.com/2017/politics/news/al-franken-accused-groping-radio-host-1202616459/ Variety Magazine: "Al Franken Apologizes After Being Accused of Groping, Kissing Radio Host Without Consent" By Maane Khatchatourian] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117002645/http://variety.com/2017/politics/news/al-franken-accused-groping-radio-host-1202616459/ |date=November 17, 2017 }}, November 16, 2017</ref> He issued a longer apology later,<ref>{{cite news|title=Read Al Franken's apology following accusation of groping and kissing without consent|url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/11/16/politics/al-franken-apology/index.html|publisher=CNN|date=November 17, 2017|access-date=November 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116234557/http://www.cnn.com/2017/11/16/politics/al-franken-apology/index.html|archive-date=November 16, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> which Tweeden accepted.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Savransky|first1=Rebecca|title=Woman who accused Franken says she accepts his apology|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/news/360709-woman-who-accused-franken-says-she-accepts-his-apology/|website=The Hill|date=November 17, 2017|access-date=November 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171118225328/http://thehill.com/homenews/news/360709-woman-who-accused-franken-says-she-accepts-his-apology|archive-date=November 18, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Other accusations of sexual misconduct—including grabbing a woman's bottom while posing for a photo—followed Tweeden's.<ref name="Franken" /> Franken resigned from the Senate on January 2, 2018.<ref name="strib-franken-resigns">{{Cite news |url=http://www.startribune.com/transition-time-franken-moves-out-smith-moves-in/467678623/ |title=Transition time: Franken moves out, Smith moves in |last=Rao |first=Maya |date=January 2, 2018 |access-date=January 2, 2018 |website=Star Tribune |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180102232408/http://www.startribune.com/transition-time-franken-moves-out-smith-moves-in/467678623/ |archive-date=January 2, 2018 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="Franken" />


==Personal life==
==Personal life==

Latest revision as of 10:55, 3 July 2024

Leeann Tweeden
Tweeden at Camp Arifjan in December 2007
Born
Manassas, Virginia, U.S.
Occupation(s)Model, announcer, television personality
Spouse
Chris Dougherty
​
(m. 2010)​
Children2
Modeling information
Height5 ft 5 in (165 cm)
Hair colorbrunette
Eye colorbrown
Websiteleeanntweeden.com

Leeann Tweeden is an American radio broadcaster, model and sports commentator. She is co-host of Dr. Drew Midday Live on Radio 790 KABC in Los Angeles.[1]

Early life

[edit]

Tweeden was born in Manassas, Virginia,[2] to Bill Tweeden, a retired Air Force Chief Mechanic, and his wife Catherine.[3] She is of Filipino descent on her mother's side. After graduating from Osbourn Park High School in 1991, Tweeden moved to Hollywood to pursue a career in modeling.[4]

Career

[edit]

In 1992, while working as a hostess at a Hooters restaurant in Colorado Springs, Colorado, she won first place in the Venus International Model Search. This break led to national exposure, including a regular role as a fitness model on the TV show Fitness Beach. Tweeden modeled for promotional work for Hooters (which included an appearance in the restaurant's 1994 calendar), Venus International, and Frederick's of Hollywood.[4] In the early 2000s, Tweeden hosted many segments of the Fox Sports Net show, Bluetorch TV.[5] Tweeden was a correspondent for Fox Sports Networks' The Best Damn Sports Show Period from 2001 to 2007. In 2008, Tweeden became the third hostess of the NBC late night television series Poker After Dark.[6] She has also appeared on the political discussion series Hannity in 2011 and 2012.[2] She was a member of the "Great American Panel" and also occasionally appeared on the panel of Red Eye w/ Greg Gutfeld.[7][8] Tweeden was seen in pre- and post-game coverage of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on Fox Sports West and on Fox Sports 1's UFC Tonight, with Kenny Florian and Ariel Helwani.[7]

On February 7, 2017, Tweeden joined the cast of the Los Angeles morning radio show McIntyre in the Morning on KABC, 790 AM as the news anchor.[9][10]

On January 7, 2019, Tweeden became the co-host of Dr. Drew Midday on KABC, 790 AM.[1]

Appearances

[edit]

In August 1996, Tweeden appeared on the cover of Playboy magazine and as part of a fitness model pictorial for that issue. She did not appear nude.[11] In December 2011, at 38 years old, she again appeared on the cover of Playboy, and in that issue was featured in a nude pictorial.[12][13]

In 2002, she was a guest character in the motocross video game Freekstyle as a motocross rider.[citation needed] The March 2007 issue of FHM (the final U.S. issue ever printed) featured Tweeden as the cover girl.[14] As part of Hooters' 25th anniversary in 2008, she was named among "The Top Hooters Girls of all time".[15]

Since 2002, Tweeden has participated in 16 tours with the USO including 12 to Afghanistan and Iraq.[2][16][17]

Allegations against Al Franken

[edit]
Franken and Tweeden in Kuwait on their 2006 USO tour

On October 30, 2017, California Congresswoman Jackie Speier was interviewed by the McIntyre show about a sexual assault that occurred when she was in her 20s and was a congressional staffer for Representative Leo Ryan.[18] She alleged that Ryan's chief of staff "kissed me and stuck his tongue in my mouth".[19] According to the show's host Doug McIntyre, that led to a conversation with Tweeden about an alleged incident of sexual harassment between her and Minnesota U.S. Senator Al Franken.[18] With McIntyre's assistance, Tweeden prepared to make a public statement about her allegations.[18]

Ahead of Tweeden's public statements, a Fox news executive tipped off conservative political consultant Roger Stone. Stone circulated news of the allegations to right-wing media and made Twitter posts referring to the allegations, including a statement that "It’s Al Franken's 'time in the barrel.'".[18][20] Following the posting of Tweeden's story, far-right[28] radio show host and prominent[a] conspiracy theorist[38] Alex Jones broadcast that Stone had told him, in advance, "Get ready. Franken’s next".[18]

On November 16, 2017, Tweeden went public with the allegations in a blog post and radio interview. According to Tweeden, Franken kissed her on a 2006 USO tour during a rehearsal for a comedy skit in which they kissed. She wrote that he "came at me, put his hand on the back of my head, mashed his lips against mine and aggressively stuck his tongue in my mouth."[39] She said she pushed him away, feeling "disgusted and violated".[39] Tweeden's post alleged that Franken "wrote that sketch just to kiss me".[18] Tweeden wrote that Franken also posed for a photograph with her while she was asleep on the C-17 cargo plane flying home.[40] According to The Washington Post, the photograph "shows Franken looking into a camera, his hands either over or on Tweeden’s chest as she slept".[41][42][43]

Franken disputed Tweeden's version. In a long-form article covering the allegations for The New Yorker, Jane Mayer wrote that, according to Franken, Tweeden's "accusations appropriated jokes from comic routines that they’d performed together".[18] Franken denied writing the skit solely to kiss Tweeden; he had performed similar skits involving kissing in 2004 and 2005. These were intended as references to the "frankly lascivious" Bob Hope/Raquel Welch USO skits of the Vietnam era.[18] The photograph may have been taken as a parody of a skit that had been used in the USO show's comedy routine. In the skit, Franken appears as a doctor who informs Tweeden's character that "a woman your age should have a complete breast examination every year"; Franken then approaches her with his arms outstretched and his hands aimed at her chest.[18]

CNBC's John Harwood defended Franken by pointing out that Tweeden had been filmed on a 2004 USO tour "humping" comedian Robin Williams: "[T]hat pic was obviously a joke, not groping, just like Leeann Tweeden wrapping her leg around Robin Williams and smacking his butt; entertainment for soldiers deployed overseas is raunchy like that."[44]

Franken responded, saying: "I certainly don't remember the rehearsal for the skit in the same way, but I send my sincerest apologies to Leeann. [...] As to the photo, it was clearly intended to be funny but wasn't. I shouldn't have done it."[45] He issued a longer apology later,[46] which Tweeden accepted.[47] Other accusations of sexual misconduct—including grabbing a woman's bottom while posing for a photo—followed Tweeden's.[18] Franken resigned from the Senate on January 2, 2018.[48][18]

Personal life

[edit]

Tweeden met her husband, Chris Dougherty, a pilot for the California Air National Guard, during a USO tour. They married in 2010. They have two children, son Kane and daughter Kaia.[2][49]

She considers herself fiscally conservative and said that she voted twice for President George W. Bush.[2]

Tweeden made an appearance on the season 10 finale of That Metal Show.

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ New York magazine has described Jones as "America's leading conspiracy theorist",[29] and the Southern Poverty Law Center describes him as "the most prolific conspiracy theorist in contemporary America".[30]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "KABC/Los Angeles Shuffles Lineup, Puts Ben Shapiro In PM Drive, John Phillips And Jillian Barberie In Mornings". www.allaccess.com. Archived from the original on July 23, 2019. Retrieved July 23, 2019.
  2. ^ a b c d e Viebeck, Elise; Lee, Michelle Ye Hee (November 16, 2017). "Franken's accuser stepped forward after years of silent outrage". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Archived from the original on November 17, 2017. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
  3. ^ "Leeann Tweeden, All-American Spouse". Military Spouse. Archived from the original on November 17, 2017. Retrieved August 9, 2017.
  4. ^ a b "Leeann Tweeden". playboy.com. PEI. Archived from the original on February 22, 2015. Retrieved February 22, 2015.
  5. ^ [1] Bluetorch TV
  6. ^ "Poker on NBC". Archived from the original on September 3, 2008. Retrieved July 29, 2008.
  7. ^ a b Leeann Tweeden at IMDb
  8. ^ Hannity (July 26, 2013). "Defending Weiner? 'My Mayor Is Not My Husband, Sean!'". Fox News Insider. Archived from the original on November 17, 2017. Retrieved November 16, 2017.
  9. ^ "Leeann Tweeden Named News Anchor For KABC/Los Angeles 'McIntyre In The Morning'" Archived November 17, 2017, at the Wayback Machine, AllAccess.com, February 7, 2017. Retrieved November 16, 2017.
  10. ^ "Leeann Tweeden Joins 790 KABC's 'McIntyre in the Morning' as News Anchor". www.kabc.com. February 7, 2017. Archived from the original on August 16, 2017. Retrieved August 16, 2017.
  11. ^ "1996 Leeann Tweeden Best Damn Sports Show Period Signed Playboy Magazine". mearsonlineauctions.com. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  12. ^ "Poker TV Host Leann Tweeden Poses For Playboy". ESPN. Retrieved October 31, 2020.
  13. ^ Rodriguez, Julio (November 11, 2011). "Leeann Tweeden Poses For Playboy Magazine: Former Poker After Dark Hostess Bares All". cardplayer.com. Archived from the original on January 7, 2012. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  14. ^ FHMs Leeann Tweeden interview and photo spread Archived October 1, 2005, at the Wayback Machine
  15. ^ "The Top HOOTERS Girls of all time". HOOTERS Magazine. July/ August 2008. p. 108.
  16. ^ Military Spouse Magazine: "Leeann Tweeden: All-American Spouse" by Kate Dolack Archived November 17, 2017, at the Wayback Machine 2014
  17. ^ "Leeann Tweeden - About". Facebook - Leeann Tweeden. Facebook. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  18. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Mayer, Jane. "The Case of Al Franken". The New Yorker. No. July 29, 2019. Archived from the original on July 22, 2019. Retrieved July 23, 2019.
  19. ^ Stracqualuris, Veronica; Bruce, Mary; Parkinson, John (October 27, 2017). "California congresswoman alleges sexual harassment on Capitol Hill". ABC News. Archived from the original on October 27, 2017. Retrieved July 25, 2010.
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