Congresswoman introduces 2 bills, amidst avalanche of Hollywood sexual misconduct allegations

Comedian Louis C.K. issued a statement Friday, saying accusations by five women were true that he'd abused his power by exposing himself or committing sexual acts in their presence.

His popular act now has a painful irony. In one of his standup routines he had said, "There is no greater threat to women, then men. We're the number one threat to women. Globally and historically. we're the number one cause of injury and mayhem."

In his statement, the comedian and producer apologized to the women, his family, and to colleagues on the Netflix, HBO and film projects that have now been cancelled or dropped.

"The power I had over these women is that they admired me. And I wielded that power irresponsibly," his statement read, "I have spent my long and lucky career talking and saying anything I want. I will now step back and take a long time to listen."

The sexual abuse against producer Harvey Weinstein and actor Kevin Spacey have opened a floodgate, with hundreds of victims stepping forward.

On Friday, new allegations emerged. A former model accused Star Trek icon George Takei of sexual groping back in 1981 when the man was 23-years-old and had gone to Takei’s home after a night out. 

One woman also accused Richard Dreyfuss of sexual misconduct.

Anthony Edwards, the former star of the TV series "ER" said he was a victim. He said he was molested at age 12 by producer Gary Goddard.

The Los Angeles district attorney said Friday a new task force is being formed to investigate the growing number of cases.

The sexual misconduct accusations extend beyond Hollywood, though, and have emerged nationwide in government, media, and many other industries. 

Some say this is a turning point in American culture. Bay Area Democratic Congresswoman Jackie Speier has introduced two bills to address sexual misconduct in Congress, which will be considered next week. 

"There's a recognition this is ubiquitous across the country and accountability is essential," said Congresswoman Speier, "Right now the system in many settings does not protect the victim. And oftentimes the victim is in a situation where they will lose their job. They will be blackballed, ostracized if they were to come forward."

Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman  also called for a change in culture, saying she had been sexually abused by the U.S.A gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar.

Many people stepping forward, however, are speaking out about alleged incidents that happened years, even decades ago, meaning a legal examination of the facts might never reach a courtroom.

Roy Moore, the Republican candidate in next month's Alabama Senate election, has been accused by four women of sexual misconduct. He refuted the accusations.

"These allegations are completely false and misleading, but, more than that, it hurts me personally because, you know, I'm a father, I have one daughter, I have five granddaughters and I have a special concern for the protection of young ladies," Moore said.

Some Republicans pulled their endorsements after one woman told the Washington Post that Moore had sexual contact with her back in the 1970's when she was fourteen years old. 

Moore said he believes the women's accusations are politically motivated, coming one month before Alabama's special election.