The Oprah Winfrey Network on Monday gave the Senate a decades-old episode of "The Oprah Winfrey" show in which Labor Secretary nominee Andrew Puzder's former wife alleged he physically abused her, Politico reported.
Lisa Fierstein and Puzder divorced in 1987. She appeared on Oprah's show in a wig and glasses to discuss the abuse allegations, the latest controversy ahead of Puzder's confirmation hearing Feb. 16. Four Republican senators said Monday they would not support President Donald Trump's pick for Labor Secretary after he admitted to hiring an undocumented immigrant as a housekeeper.
"I've arranged for senators on the committee to see that . . . I thought that was a reasonable request: No reason not to see it," Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander, told Politico of the tape. "That happened 27 years ago. His former wife has said it was all not true. She has reiterated that in a heartfelt letter to members of the committee and has been willing to talk to members of the committee, so I don't think that's an issue."
Fierstein has since retracted her allegations, telling a local newspaper around the time of her divorce she made the claims to strengthen her divorce settlement. She recently sent a letter to the Senate HELP Committee stating the claims were not true.
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