Brzezinski faces backlash after questioning Franken accuser who ‘voted for Trump’

MSNBC “Morning Joe” host Mika Brzezinski was slammed Friday on social media for appearing to question the account of a sexual misconduct accuser of Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.), referring to her as a “Playboy model who goes on Hannity [and] voted for Trump” during a Friday morning discussion.

Leeann Tweeden, a KABC radio host in Los Angeles, was the first of eight women to accuse Franken on Nov. 16, sharing a photo of Franken appearing to grope her while she was sleeping during a flight on a USO tour in 2006.

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“I would think a dress owned by Monica Lewinsky would bring down a president. But it didn’t,” Brzezinski said in reference to a dress containing President Bill Clinton‘s DNA from a sexual encounter in the Oval Office while Lewinsky was an intern, leading to his impeachment in the House.

“So I’m surprised that a comedian’s picture of a performer — Playboy model who goes on Hannity, who voted for Trump. I see some politics there, but I haven’t brought that up every step of the way because of course, in this ‘Me Too’ environment, you must always believe the women.”

Tweeden has appeared as a guest on Sean Hannity’s radio program in the past. She has also appeared on the covers of Playboy, Maxim and FHM magazines.

After coming forth with allegations in November that included saying Franken forcibly kissed her during the same USO Tour, the senator apologized and Tweeden accepted, adding she “wasn’t calling on him to resign.”

The Brzezinski commentary quickly went viral; she has since been accused on social media of victim-shaming Tweeden based on her political affiliation, mostly by right-leaning media members.

Critics included HLN’s S.E. Cupp, who once worked with Brzezinski at MSNBC.

It’s always disappointing, but somewhat gratifying, when someone reveals their true colors. “Mika Brzezinski Questions First Franken Accuser: ‘Playboy Model Who Goes on Hannity, Voted for Trump’” https://t.co/XtnBMF4EY3 via @mediaite

— S.E. Cupp (@secupp) December 8, 2017

Believe all women
Smear those who accuse Dems

Sleazy move #Mika https://t.co/lTs9t7EA4D

— Jim Hanson (@Uncle_Jimbo) December 8, 2017

My god @morningmika is awful https://t.co/r9GmljWngW

— Michelle Fields (@MichelleFields) December 8, 2017

MSNBC anchor says it’s “brave” to NOT believe the women, if they are accusing a politician you like.

This morning @morningmika victim-shamed @LeeannTweeden by dismissing her as “a Playboy model who goes on ‘Hannity,’ who voted for Trump”: https://t.co/uyntIRc65c https://t.co/0CelL1qeOd

— Steve Krakauer (@SteveKrak) December 8, 2017

A New Low => Mika Brzezinski Victim-Shames Al Franken Accuser https://t.co/VEs9PAG82b pic.twitter.com/Mfjt3dTWdG

— Steven Crowder (@scrowder) December 8, 2017