‘David Cop-a-feel’ strikes again? NJ author says President H.W. Bush groped her, too

MONTCLAIR — A New Jersey author says she was groped by former President George H.W. Bush in 2014.

Christina Baker Kline of Montclair wrote in an article for Salon that she was a guest at a Bush Foundation for Family Literacy fundraiser in a private home in Houston when she met the then-90-year-old Bush.

Kline recounts that as she and her husband stood in front of Bush, who was seated in a wheelchair, he asked if she would like to know what his favorite book was. As she leaned in to hear his answer, she said Bush put his arm around her and squeezed her butt as he whispered "David Cop-a-feel."

Kline is the latest woman to accuse Bush of inappropriate behavior. Another woman also accused the former president of using the same "David Cop-a-feel" line.

The 41st president's spokesman did not deny the charges, but said Bush has "patted women's rears in what he intended to be a good-natured manner." The statement says he "apologizes most sincerely [...] to anyone he has offended."

The accusations against Bush come amid of torrent of revelations by women who say they have been sexually harassed or assaulted by men in powerful positions. Among them are legendary Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, who was forced out of his company; Amazon Studios chief Roy Price, who was put on leave; Hollywood director and screenwriter James Toback; fired Fox News host Bill O'Reilly; and political journalist Mark Halperin.

Kline said that after got into a car to leave the event, the driver turned around and said, "I do trust you will be ... discreet."

Kline, the author of the books "Orphan Train" and "A Piece of the World," becomes the fourth woman to accuse Bush.

Amanda Staples, a former candidate for state senate, told the Portland Press Herald in Maine that she was groped by Bush in 2006 in Kennebunkport.

Two actresses, Jordana Grolnick and Heather Lind, have accused Bush of groping them.

Grolnick also said Bush joked about "David Cop-a-feel," saying that was his favorite magician.

On Facebook, Kline wrote that she had a "responsibility" to corroborate Grolnick and Lind.

She also responded to those who said it is "unfair" to call out Bush because of his age.

She shared a video from the website RadarOnline, which claims to show Bush in 2007 spanking actress Teri Hatcher.

Material from the Associated Press was used in this report.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com

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