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Pelosi calls for Rep. John Conyers to resign amid sexual harassment accusations

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-California) is calling for Rep. John Conyers (D-Michigan) to resign from his seat amid sexual harassment claims from the congressman's former staffers, according to NBC News. 

Stay with ClickOnDetroit for updates.

On NBC's "Meet the Press" Sunday morning, Pelosi wouldn't say whether she believed the former Conyers staff members who have accused him of sexual harassment and workplace abuse. In the interview, she called him an "icon" who has "done a great deal to protect women," citing his support of the Violence Against Women Act.

Conyers hospitalized

Conyers' attorney said Thursday the 88-year-old congressman has "taken ill" and is hospitalized. Conyers returned to Michigan this week while the controversy surrounding him intensifies. 

Sources told Local 4 that Conyers will not seek re-election for a new term in the wake of the scandal, which continues to grow.

Two sources close to the Conyers situation told Local 4's Rod Meloni that the congressman won't resign. It's his intent to announce in January that he won't run for re-election in 2018.

His attorney said the allegations are not true, but Conyers is under increased scrutiny, and his family is rallying around him.

Conyers caught a bit of a break Wednesday as the Congressional Black Caucus met in Washington and Chairman Cedric Richmond disputed the stories saying he is pushing for Conyers to resign.

Among the former staffers accusing Conyers of sexual harassment is Deanna Maher, who claimed Conyers sexually harassed her three times, including undressing to his underwear in her bedroom while she was in a nightgown.

The Michigan Democratic Party has not yet responded to a request for comment about the sources' information that Conyers won't run again. The situation could change depending on the pressure brought to bear in Washington.

Conyers accuser speaks out

One of the women accusing Conyers of sexual harassment spoke earlier Thursday morning on NBC's TODAY Show. 

Marion Brown described what she claims Conyers did to her while she worked for him.

"Some of the things that he did, it was sexual harassment," she said. "Violating my body, propositioning me, inviting me to hotels with the guise of discussing business, and then propositioning for sex. He just violated my body. He has touched me in different ways, and it was very uncomfortable and very unprofessional."

Conyers settled a sexual harassment claim with Brown back in 2015. 

READ: Rep. Conyers accuser speaks out: 'I am taking a risk ... I want to be a voice'

Conyers stepped down from his position as ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee over the weekend and denied the allegations. 

"I deny these allegations, many of which were raised by documents reportedly paid for by a partisan alt-right blogger. I very much look forward to vindicating myself and my family before the House Committee on Ethics," he tweeted. 


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