Congressman John Conyers hospitalized amid sexual harassment allegations

DETROIT (WJBK) - Congressman John Conyers is in the hospital, according to family friend and Detroit political consultant Sam Riddle as the leader of House Democrats calls for his resignation.

Riddle came to Conyers's home in Detroit just before 9 a.m. Thursday to tell the media Conyers was in the hospital. Riddle says Conyers is "resting comfortably with Monica by his side." He didn't go into further detail as to why he's in the hospital, but did say that it was stress-related. 

A few hours later, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, the top Democrat in the House, said Conyers should resign from his seat in Congress.

Pelosi told reporters Thursday that the accusations against Conyers are "serious, disappointing and very credible. It's very sad."         

Pelosi told reporters "zero tolerance means consequences - for everyone no matter how great the legacy it's not licensed to harass or discriminate. In fact it makes it even more disappointing."

Multiple former female staff members have come forward to say they have been sexually harassed by Rep. Conyers. 

Just hours earlier on Thursday, one of the women came public with her story on the "Today" show. 

Marion Brown broke her nondisclosure agreement after reaching a settlement with Conyers and spoke on the "Today" show. She said Rep. Conyers would invite her to hotels with the guise of discussing business, and then proposition her for sex. She also said he touched her inappropriately several times over the years. You can read more about her interview here. 

Riddle, a political consultant in Detroit, has worked closely with Conyers's wife, Monica, over the years. Monica is a former Detroit City Council member. 

"[John Conyers] is doing okay, as well as can be expected for a gentleman that's approaching 90 years of age. You can wait out here all you want; he won't be coming out," Riddle said outside of Conyers's home Thursday. 

Riddle also said these woman are "serial accusers" and the family is "used to this." He attributed Conyers's health and hospitalization to the recent media attention and said his illness was stress-related. 

Riddle wouldn't say how long Conyers has been in the hospital. Conyers returned home to Detroit from Washington, D.C. Tuesday night. 

An attorney for the 88-year-old lawmaker said he will fight these allegations of sexual misconduct involving former female staff members.

Conyers' wife on harassment claims: "do a little bit more investigation"

Arnold Reed tells The Associated Press that Conyers is innocent and has no plans to resign. Reed adds that anyone making inappropriate touching or other claims against the Detroit Democrat should be prepared to back them up.

Conyers earlier this week announced that he's stepping down from his leadership position on the House Judiciary Committee. Two Democratic lawmakers, Rep. Kathleen Rice of New York and Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington state have called on Conyers to resign. The Ethics Committee has opened an investigation.