Herman Cain Accuser Does Not Want to Detail Allegations Against Him Despite being Freed to do so by the National Restaurant Association – Video 11/4/11

Here is video of Joel Bennett – attorney for one of the women who accused Herman Cain of sexual harassment back in 1999. He made a statement to the media today on behalf of his client, saying she sees “no value” in “revisiting the issue now,” and does not want to tell her side of the story, nor does she want her identity to be revealed.

Interestingly, the National Restaurant Association also released a statement today saying they offered to waive the restraints of the confidentiality agreement to allow the woman to tell her story – but she does not want to do so:

(STATEMENT FROM THE NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION): “We have seen the statement Joel Bennett released earlier today on behalf of his client, a former employee of the Association. The Association consented to the release of that statement, at the request of Mr. Bennett’s client.

“Based upon the information currently available, we can confirm that more than a decade ago, in July 1999, Mr. Bennett’s client filed a formal internal complaint, in accordance with the Association’s existing policies prohibiting discrimination and harassment. Mr. Herman Cain disputed the allegations in the complaint. The Association and Mr. Bennett’s client subsequently entered into an agreement to resolve the matter, without any admission of liability. Mr. Cain was not a party to that agreement. The agreement contains mutual confidentiality obligations. Notwithstanding the Association’s ongoing policy of maintaining the privacy of all personnel matters, we have advised Mr. Bennett that we are willing to waive the confidentiality of this matter and permit Mr. Bennett’s client to comment. As indicated in Mr. Bennett’s statement, his client prefers not to be further involved with this matter and we will respect her decision.

“The Association has robust policies designed to ensure that employees with concerns may bring them forward for prompt investigation and resolution, without risk of retaliation. The Association is fully committed to equal employment opportunity and to an environment that is free from any discrimination or harassment.”

I would think this is huge for Herman Cain. The fact this accuser won’t come forward and get more specific about these allegations works in Cain’s favor. People are very skeptical of anonymous, non-specific claims that took place 12 years ago – and they should be. You can tell from the video above that the media is desperate to hear from the women in question, and they want to air specifics. The woman’s attorney helped with neither.