Ky. Senate Democratic leaders join calls for state Rep. Daniel Grossberg’s resignation
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Investigation into Louisville Rep. Daniel Grossberg
A Herald-Leader investigation into allegations of sexual harassment involving Rep. Daniel Grossberg, D-Louisville, revealed he intimidated and harassed multiple women in and around Kentucky politics. He also was allegedly aggressive and threatening toward dancers in a Louisville strip club.
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Kentucky Senate Democratic leadership on Wednesday publicly called for Democratic state Rep. Daniel Grossberg to resign, becoming the latest members of his party to distance themselves from the embattled lawmaker.
“As public officials, we must uphold the highest standards of conduct and integrity. The recent allegations involving Rep. Daniel Grossberg are deeply troubling,” Senate Democratic leadership said in a statement.
“No one should be subject to harassment or intimidation in any setting. Given the seriousness of these accusations, we call on Rep. Grossberg to relinquish his seat immediately.”
Democratic leadership in the Senate includes Minority Caucus Chair Reggie Thomas of Lexington, Floor Leader Gerald Neal of Louisville, and Minority Whip David Yates of Louisville.
On Friday, the Herald-Leader reported Grossberg was banned from a Louisville strip club for life for allegedly trying to touch the crotch of a dancer on stage. Upon being kicked out that night last winter, Grossberg touted his status as an elected official and threatened to close the place down, according to employees of the club.
A few weeks earlier, he offered to pay another dancer as much as $5,000 for sex.
The legislator has denied soliciting prostitution from anyone and said he hasn’t used his office to gain advantage
In the hours after that story published, calls for his resignation from fellow Democrats across Kentucky poured in, including Gov. Andy Beshear and Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, and U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey.
Grossberg has also been booted from attending local party events and functions with Louisville Democrats and on Friday he was “permanently” expelled from the House Democratic caucus.
Removal from caucus means the 45-year-old lawmaker who represents the 30th House District is not allowed to vote for who should serve in House Democratic leadership and cannot attend caucus meetings, during which policy and votes are discussed among party members.
Additionally, Grossberg won’t have access to caucus resources, like assistance from its staff on bill drafting and research.
Grossberg has steadfastly denied any wrongdoing and refused to resign. He told News Radio 840 WHAS in Louisville on Friday that he is seeking “treatment to help refuse my impulsive behavior going forward,” but he plans to “keep my head down and continue working to serve my constituents” in the meantime.”
“I apologize to anyone who I have made uncomfortable,” he said in a statement. “Their voices deserve to be heard. Similarly, I deserve due process so that I can respond to these allegations in the appropriate venue. I look forward to doing so, under oath, during the legislative ethics inquiry.”
The Louisville Democrat has been ensnared in a growing controversy throughout the summer linked to his harassing, sexually charged texts and interactions with young women.
Prior to Friday’s story, the Herald-Leader had published accounts from six different women who accused Grossberg of varying degrees of inappropriate behavior, including sexual harassment in person and in electronic messages.
This story may be updated.
This story was originally published September 25, 2024 at 1:45 PM.
