By Mike Hothi and Elianna Mintz
UPDATE: Republican presidential hopeful Herman Cain denied sexual harassment claims while addressing an audience at the National Press Club Monday.
“I would be delighted to clear the air,” Cain said when asked about the allegations. “In all of my over 40 years of business experience…I have never sexually harassed anyone.”
Cain did admit, however, to accusations of sexual harassment brought against him while working as head of the National Restaurant Association in the 1990s.
Those accusations were false, according to Cain.
“It was concluded, after a thorough investigation, that it had no basis,” Cain explained.
“As for a settlement,” Cain continued, “I am not aware of any sort of settlement. I hope it wasn’t for much because I didn’t do anything.”
This story was updated at 3:19pm EST…
WASHINGTON - GOP Presidential hopeful Herman Cain refused to address sexual harassment allegations Monday during his appearance at the American Enterprise Institute.
“I’ll take all of the arrows later,” Cain said.
The topic of todays discussion was Cain’s 9-9-9 tax plan, but the event was overshadowed by a report from Politico that the candidate, while heading that National Restaurant Association, faced sexual harassment charges from two female employees.
In a capacity filled room, Cain was asked about the allegations from ABC’s Jon Karl. In response, the moderator interjected, “I think that question is inconsistent with the ground rules that we have,” noting that the discussions was intended to be centered solely around Cain’s fiscal policy.
Cain then responded, “I’m going by the ground rules that my host has set.”
The former businessman is set to appear at the National Press Club later in the day is expected to entertain the questions then.
The media attention comes as Cain continues to poll as a top tier candidate. The Cain campaign has fought against the allegations, describing them as “personal attacks” and unsubstantiated.