Allred’s client — whom she did not identify — would be the first woman to go public with accusations that Cain has engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior, and the fourth to allege misconduct.
Cain has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and has called the accusations a “smear campaign” in the week since the disclosure that two women reportedly received financial settlements from the National Restaurant Association in the 1990s after accusing Cain, who led the group at the time, of sexually inappropriate behavior while they were employed there.
A third woman told The Associated Press last week that she considered filing a workplace complaint against Cain over what she deemed sexually suggestive remarks and gestures that included a private invitation to his corporate apartment.
A former pollster for the restaurant association has said he witnessed yet another episode involving a fourth woman. It was unclear whether that woman is Allred’s client.
The allegations have rocked Cain’s unorthodox presidential campaign just as he was riding high in public opinion polls two months before the leadoff Iowa presidential caucuses.
As the new accuser surfaced, Cain was in California for what his campaign said were private events and an appearance on ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” as he works to stem the fallout of the string of allegations.
In response, Cain spokesman J.D. Gordon assailed Allred, calling her a major donor to Democrats who typically engages in self-promotion. He said the campaign would have more to say on the allegations later Monday.
As a press release states, the woman will be represented by Attorney Gloria Allred. The release details, "A woman who alleges that she was sexually harassed by Presidential hopeful, Herman Cain, when she sought his help with an employment issue when he was President of the National Restaurant Association will hold a news conference with her Attorney, Gloria Allred on Monday, November 7th, at 1:30 p.m. (e.s.t.) at the Friars Club, 57 East 55th Street New York, NY 10022."
It continues that "Ms. Allred’s client will be the first to give her name and to speak out about details of what she alleges occurred between her and Cain."
As New York magazine details, Allred's association with the scandal may work in Cain's favor. "Allred might have started out as a feminist crusader who knew the value of grabbing the headlines in service of her mission. She still most often takes on cases that have a wronged-woman element, but in recent years (when she's represented Rachel Uchitel and Joslyn James, just for starters), she's come under criticism for grabbing those headlines and ginning up that publicity in service mostly of cold hard cash. It's an association that might help Cain: the Allred factor gives those inclined to believe he was being taken advantage of by opportunists more grist for their theory."
All about: Gloria Allred, Herman Cain,
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