Herman Cain claims on cash settlement raise questions

By: Brian Montopoli
Topics: Campaign 2012

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 31: Republican Presidential candidate Herman Cain delivers remarks at The National Press Club October 31, 2011 in Washington, DC. Cain has denied accusations made in a report of sexual harassment while he was president of the National Restaurant Association. Cain is tied with former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney at the top of the Des Moines Register's recent survey of likely caucus-goers in Iowa.

(Credit: Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Responding to allegations he had inappropriate interactions with two female employees who were later paid not to discuss their charges in public, Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain said Monday he was unaware if the women had received a paid settlement following their allegations.

"If the Restaurant Association did a settlement, I am not - I wasn't even aware of it and I hope it wasn't for much, because nothing happened," Cain said on Fox News.

Yet according to a report in the Washington Examiner, Cain has taped a separate interview with Fox News in which he discusses the settlement specifically.

Herman Cain: I "never sexually harassed anyone"

The Examiner reports that in the interview, set to air in the 10:00 p.m. hour tonight, Cain discusses how his "general counsel said this started out where she and her lawyer were demanding a huge financial settlement...I don't remember a number...But then he said because there was no basis for this, we ended up settling for what would have been a termination settlement."

The story also quotes Cain saying the settlement was "[m]aybe three months' salary. I don't remember. It might have been two months. I do remember my general counsel saying we didn't pay all of the money they demanded."

Though the reference to a termination settlement provides some wiggle room, Cain's comment would appear to contradict his claim that he "wasn't even aware" of any financial settlement that was given to his accusers.

In the wake of the allegations surfacing Sunday night, a number of people have expressed skepticism about Cain's claim to having been kept in the dark. One attorney who specializes in sexual harassment cases told TPM that "[i]t defies credibility that as CEO and member of the board he would be unaware that a settlement was reached and what was paid."

Cain's campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The candidate said earlier in the day that he had recused himself from dealing with the allegations when they were brought to his attention, turning it over to his general council and an executive.

Fox News released two snippets from the interview to CBS News, including one in which Cain says there was an investigation, that the charges were found to be baseless, and that "there was no big settlement or it would have had to come to me."

Can Herman Cain's campaign survive?
Cain: Investigation into past misconduct is a "witch hunt"

Brian Montopoli
Brian Montopoli is the senior political reporter at CBSNews.com.
Follow on Twitter »

7 Comments +

Add a Comment


by DRW1960 November 1, 2011 3:38 PM EDT: Herman Cain campaign has BIGGEST online fundraising day (after accusations): http://wtim.es/uZOngb; Reply to this comment


by italianro November 1, 2011 8:40 AM EDT: Herman Cain claims that at first he didn't know about the sexual harassment claim. What an idiot and a disgrace to the Republican Party, then not two hours later he gets on fox news and says "Yeah I knew about the sexual harassment claim. I mean what the heck. When will the lies stop. I mean seriously. This is just many of the reasons Herman Cain will never get my vote. He is a disgrace and I think he should resign his campaign. I do not want someone that just knows business. I want someone who can protect us and love America. It doesn't sound to me like Herman Cain loves America. In fact a recent article suggest otherwise. I just wish America would wake up. I don't want another first timer in the White house. You see how well that went over. We need someone with a good leadership and motivation for us. We are sluggish right now. We need to be revamped but Herman Cain's only objective is to sell books. By the way supporters of Mr. Insane, did you know that he spent your hard earn money on his own books. What a idiot; Reply to this comment


by jsf14 November 1, 2011 7:23 AM EDT: So "counsel" is now spelled "council"?; Reply to this comment


by ruffiannd October 31, 2011 8:49 PM EDT: ...and so ends the ridiculous candidacy of one Herman Cain.; Reply to this comment

by bantamei October 31, 2011 7:44 PM EDT

MakeMyDayPunks: Hey Punk, prove your statement. What baggage are you talking or are you just saying the 1st thing that comes into your little cosnervative brain without thinking, like most republikommies. Like ALL conservatards, Cain is a serial liar.

Reply to this comment


by JV1970 October 31, 2011 7:55 PM EDT: And YOU are a IDIOT!!!!!


by Robert_In_Texas October 31, 2011 6:40 PM EDT: Cain: If the Restaurant Association did a settlement, I am not - I wasn't even aware of it.
Question: Weren't you the Chief Executive Officer?
Cain: I was even aware of it.
Question: You weren't aware you were the CEO?
Cain: I was CEO of Godfather's pizza.
Question: Sir, do you know where you're at?
Cain: At a book signing. right?; Reply to this comment