A ninth woman, Cathy Heller, has come forward with sexual misconduct allegations concerning Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, The Guardian reported Saturday.
Ms. Heller, a 63-year-old New York resident, said the incident happened almost 20 years ago while she and her family celebrated Mother’s Day with brunch at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida.
Her late mother-in-law, a paying member of Mr. Trump’s elite Mar-a-Lago Club, was attempting to introduce the two when the alleged encounter occurred.
“He took my hand, and grabbed me, and went for the lips,” she told The Guardian.
According to Ms. Heller, she pulled away and nearly lost her balance as a result of the unwanted advance.
“And he said, ’Oh, come on.’ He was strong. And he grabbed me and went for my mouth and went for my lips,” she continued.
When Ms. Heller turned her head to avoid making contact, she claims the businessman planted his lips on the side of her mouth.
“He kept me there for a little too long,” she said. “And then he just walked away.”
“I was angry and shaken,” she added. “He was pissed. He couldn’t believe a woman would pass up the opportunity.”
Mr. Trump seemed to feel “entitled” to kiss her, she told The Guardian.
Ms. Heller said she has discussed the encounter in private during the course of the last two decade or so, but was propelled to come public upon the release of a 2005 recording last weekend in which Mr. Trump is heard crudely bragging about his sexual exploits.
“You know I’m automatically attracted to beautiful – I just start kissing them … It’s like a magnet. Just kiss. I don’t even wait,” Mr. Trump said in the tape.
The Guardian said Ms. Heller’s friend and a relative both verified her account – the ninth accusation concerning Mr. Trump to emerge as his White House run nears its inevitable end Nov. 8, according to the paper.
Ms. Heller readily acknowledged being a supporter of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, The Guardian reported.
Mr. Trump’s spokespeople did not immediately respond to The Guardian’s request for comment, but the candidate tweeted a blanket refusal Saturday afternoon.
“Nothing ever happened with any of these women. Totally made up nonsense to steal the election. Nobody has more respect for women than me!” Mr. Trump tweeted.
• Andrew Blake can be reached at ablake@washingtontimes.com.
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