Rep. George Santos Calls Sexual Harassment Allegations 'Comical'

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Embattled Long Island and Queens Rep. George Santos has called allegations that he sexually harassed a prospective employee "comical."

Santos, a Republican representing Queens and Nassau County, was accused of sexual harassment and ethics violations last week by Derek Myers, a journalist who was being hired by the congressman's office.

In a letter to the Congressional Ethics Committee, Myers said he was hired by Santos's office Jan. 23, and told to come into the office to work as a volunteer while his on-boarding paperwork was being processed. That violated ethics rules, he said — giving volunteers the work of staffers with the promise of future employment.

He went on to claim that he was alone with Santos in the congressman's office Jan. 25, and as they went over correspondence from constituents, said Santos sexually harassed him. Santos told Myers to sit next to him on a couch, Myers alleges, and then put his hand on Myers' knee.

Santos asked if he wanted to go to karaoke with the staff, and when he declined, Myers said Santos then slid is hand up his leg, along his inner thigh, and touched his groin. Santos then said, "My husband is out of town tonight if you want to come over," Myers said.

Myers claims he pushed Santos's hand away and continued to discuss the correspondence from constituents, before shortly later leaving the office.

Myers said his job offer was rescinded by Santos's office Feb. 1.

Santos called the allegations "comical" in an interview with CNN, and said he "100 percent" denies them.