Al Franken Cut From PBS Special Honoring David Letterman

Sen. Al Franken has been edited out of the Nov. 20 airing of PBS’ David Letterman: The Mark Twain Prize special after accusations of sexual harassment have surfaced.

“PBS will air David Letterman: The Mark Twain Prize on Monday evening. Senator Al Franken participated in the event, but will not appear substantially in the PBS program,” the network told TVLine. “PBS and WETA, the producing station, felt that the inclusion of Senator Franken in the broadcast at this time would distract from the show’s purpose as a celebration of American humor.”

Franken was taped giving a speech to honor Letterman’s career prior to the scandal breaking. His air time will now be edited out of the program.

The former Saturday Night Live star was accused by broadcaster Leeann Tweeden of kissing her without her consent and groping her while she was asleep while on a USO tour back in 2006. Franken has since issued an apology which Tweeden has accepted. But nonetheless, PBS does not feel it’s appropriate to keep him in the program.

Franken joins a long line of Hollywood stars who have been stripped from their shows or specials programs. Netflix dropped Kevin Spacey from House of Cards after being accused of numerous accounts of sexual misconduct and assault. And FX cut ties with comedian Louis C.K. after five women accused him of sexual misconduct.

David Letterman: The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize, Monday, Nov. 20, 8/7c (or check local PBS listings).