They won’t back down.
A quartet of women who have accused President Trump of sexual harassment joined hundreds of thousands of others in Washington Saturday to stand up to the newly elected commander-in-chief on his first full day in office.
The four women issued a call of solidarity with victims of sexual abuse during a press conference at the Hyatt Place hotel, just blocks from the White House. It came just before the Women’s March on Washington.
“I wish to march today in support of the other accusers as well as for any other victims of sexual harassment or abuse,” said Temple Taggart, a former Miss Utah.
Many who gathered in the nation’s capital fear Trump and his administration will strip women’s health and reproductive rights.
Taggart was joined by fellow Trump accusers Summer Zervos, Jessica Drake and former receptionist Rachel Crooks.
“I am marching today because it is important to show others who have been bullied that you can have the courage to stand up to bullies and to people who are in power,” said Zervos, a contestant on season five of The Apprentice who alleges that Trump groped her on more than one occasion in 2007.
Trump has denied the allegations and threatened to sue all of the women who publicly accused him of assault.
Attorney Gloria Allred, who is representing Zervos in a defamation lawsuit filed against Trump just days before he assumed office, stood with the accusers.
She would not comment on whether she had spoken to Trump’s attorneys about the lawsuit.
“The U.S. Supreme Court made it clear that no one enjoys immunity for personal conduct,” Allred said. “If in fact there is evidence that he sexually assaulted Summer, that would not be an official act but personal conduct.”
Trump, accused of using misogynistic language during his White House run, faces dozens of claims of sexual misbehavior.
Video uncovered during the Republican’s campaign revealed Trump openly bragging about using his celebrity status to molest women.
Taggart, who claims Trump gave her an unwanted kiss during a beauty pageant when she was 21, said she felt compelled to join the march, no matter what backlash she may face for shining a spotlight on the President’s alleged abuse.
“I want my children to see that I am willing to face my fears head on with the hope that I might not only bring about a positive change in others, but also instill in them a similar strength,” she said.
“It’s not right for anyone, let alone the President, to speak about nor treat women in the way that he has, as if he can use and abuse them however he likes,” she added. “That’s not something we should tolerate in our country especially from someone who sits in such a powerful position.”
Among the marchers Saturday there were representatives of dozens of groups that advocate for a diverse array of issues, including women’s health care, immigration reform, pay equity, family leave and the elimination of poverty.
The accusers said they were proud to join the crowds and would not be intimidated by the former real estate mogul’s powers as President.
Drake, an adult film actress who alleges Trump kissed her without permission and offered $10,000 for her company during a golf tournament in Lake Tahoe in 2006, said she wants Trump held accountable.
“Like many, I am horrified by the potential upcoming administration and fear the consequences it will have,” she said. “I want to use my platform to speak for others who cannot and join voices with those who can and who march with me here today.”
“Mr. Trump, we are watching,” she said.
