(CNN) Joe Biden released a statement Friday denying a former aide's claims he sexually assaulted her 27 years ago, saying of Tara Reade's allegation : "This never happened." Friday's statement is the first detailed response from Biden to Reade's allegation and comes as pressure built on the presumptive Democratic nominee to personally address the matter. "While the details of these allegations of sexual harassment and sexual assault are complicated, two things are not complicated. For some of Biden's supporters and surrogates, questions related to Reade's allegation have presented a challenging balancing act -- of expressing support for Biden's candidacy and character while not dismissing a sexual assault allegation. Reade first came forward with her sexual assault allegation against Biden in interviews this year with multiple media outlets, including CNN.

Source: CNN May 01, 2020 12:02 UTC