Oprah’s network provides Senate with tape of abuse allegations by Puzder’s ex-wife: report

Oprah Winfrey’s network has reportedly provided senators in both parties with a copy of an old episode of the “Oprah Winfrey Show” in which Labor Secretary nominee Andrew Puzder’s ex-wife accuses him of assault.

According to a report by Politico, the decades-old video shows Lisa Fierstein in disguise discussing allegations of physical abuse against her former husband. Fierstein has since retracted her allegations, including in a recent letter to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, Politico reported.

Puzder has denied the allegations.

{mosads}“I was hesitant,” Fierstein said in the letter to the HELP committee,“but encouraged by friends and became caught up in the notion of a free trip to Chicago and being a champion of women and women’s issues. I regret my decision to appear on that show.”

But top HELP committee Democrat Sen. Patty Murray told Politico she was “deeply troubled” by the video.

“It was important for us to know all of the information about any candidate that comes before us,” Murray said.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) has also reportedly seen the video footage, according to the Washington Post, but she did not provide details about what was said on the tape.

“I am reviewing the other information that has come to light and I’m sure all of this will be explored thoroughly,” Collins said, according to the Post.

Collins is one of four GOP senators on the HELP committee who’ve said they are undecided on on President Trump’s pick for Labor secretary, along with Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.).

Puzder’s confirmation hearing is scheduled for Thursday.