Congressional Black Caucus reportedly pushing Conyers to resign over sexual harrassment

Politico is reporting that members of the Congressional Black Caucus are pushing Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.), a founding member of the powerful group, to resign over allegations of sexual harassment that have arisen in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal rocking Hollywood.

What are the allegations being made against Conyers?

A former staffer says that Conyers sexually harassed her on multiple occasions, including groping and inappropriate touching.

“I didn’t report the harassment because it was clear nobody wanted to take it seriously,” said the former staffer.  “John Conyers is a powerful man in Washington, and nobody wanted to cross him.”

It was also revealed that Conyers paid $28,000 to a staffer that had accused him of sexual harassment.

Who else wants Conyers to resign?

Two Democratic members of Congress have already called on Conyers to resign — Reps. Kathleen Rice (D-N.Y..) and Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.). In addition to those political figures, Politico reports that his own aides are advising him to make a hasty exit from his office.

"There is an effort to convince him to leave now," a Democratic aide told Politico. "They are telling him he needs to do this for his legacy and all that he has worked for over the years."

Conyers resigned his position as the ranking member on the House Judiciary Committee on Sunday.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) initially defended Conyers as an "icon," but she changed her tune after a public outcry that was undoubtedly inspired by the anger over numerous sexual harassment allegations being revealed across American society.