Democratic Ohio judge defends Al Franken and Roy Moore by revealing his own sex escapades

Ohio state Supreme Court Justice and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill O'Neill offered an interesting response Friday to stories of sexual assault allegations levied against Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.): On his personal Facebook, O'Neill admitted to having sexual relations with about 50 women in the last 50 years.

Wait, say again?

O'Neill on Friday shared the following update on Facebook.

Now that the dogs of war are calling for the head of Senator Al Franken I believe it is time to speak up on behalf of all heterosexual males. As a candidate for Governor let me save my opponents some research time. In the last fifty years I was sexually intimate with approximately 50 very attractive females. It ranged from a gorgeous blonde who was my first true love and we made passionate love in the hayloft of her parents barn and ended with a drop dead gorgeous red head from Cleveland.

Now can we get back to discussing legalizing marijuana and opening the state hospital network to combat the opioid crisis. I am sooooo disappointed by this national feeding frenzy about sexual indiscretions decades ago.

Peace.

O'Neill, 70, confirmed to Cleveland.com that he did, in fact, write the Facebook status in question.

He also defended Alabama's embattled GOP Senate nominee Roy Moore, who has been accused of sexual misconduct.

"Roy Moore apparently seems to be a challenged individual when it comes to morality," O'Neill told the website. "I think that's very, very clear. He's been convicted of nothing and he's never had the opportunity to defend himself and that violates due process in America. The media is about to determine the election of a United States Senate campaign."

O'Neill has served on the Ohio Supreme Court since 2013 and announced his gubernatorial candidacy in October.

What was the response?

Ohio Democratic Party Chairman David Pepper wrote on Twitter: "Just a terrible post by Justice O'Neill. We’re having a serious national conversation about rape culture and sexual harassment, and it’s crucial for men to take time to listen to women and consider their experiences and insights."

He added, "Justice O’Neill’s Facebook comments both dehumanize women and do nothing but trivialize this important conversation, which is actually about harassment and abuse, not encounters between consenting adults."

Just a terrible post by Justice O'Neill. We’re having a serious national conversation about rape culture and sexual harassment, and it’s crucial for men to take time to listen to women and consider their experiences and insights.

(1/2)

— David Pepper (@DavidPepper) November 17, 2017

(2/2) Justice O’Neill’s Facebook comments both dehumanize women and do nothing but trivialize this important conversation, which is actually about harassment and abuse, not encounters between consenting adults.

— David Pepper (@DavidPepper) November 17, 2017

Additionally, O'Neill's campaign manager, Chris Clevenger, resigned following the judge's statement.

"The comments made today by @BillForOhio were both disturbing and misguided," Clevenger tweeted. "As a victim of sexual assault, I cannot in good faith remain a part of #TeamONeill."

He added, "Moments ago I was able to contact Justice O’Neill to announce my resignation from the campaign. I have been out of pocket all day, and had no prior knowledge of his statement."

"Sexual harassment and assault is no laughing matter. The next Governor of Ohio must take it seriously to receive my vote," Clevenger concluded.

The comments made today by @BillForOhio were both disturbing and misguided. As a victim of sexual assault, I cannot in good faith remain a part of #TeamONeill.

— Chris Clevenger (@ChrisEClevenger) November 17, 2017

Moments ago I was able to contact Justice O’Neill to announce my resignation from the campaign. I have been out of pocket all day, and had no prior knowledge of his statement.

— Chris Clevenger (@ChrisEClevenger) November 17, 2017

Sexual harassment and assault is no laughing matter. The next Governor of Ohio must take it seriously to receive my vote.

— Chris Clevenger (@ChrisEClevenger) November 17, 2017

Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor also issued a statement condemning O'Neill's Facebook update.

"I condemn in no uncertain terms Justice O'Neill's Facebook post," the statement read.

"No words can convey my shock. This gross disrespect for women shakes the public's confidence in the integrity of the judiciary," it concluded.