Sexual harassment allegations have rumbled throughout every industry, from Hollywood to politics. This time, Michigan Rep. John Conyers (D-13th District) is feeling the effects. According to the Philadelphia Tribune, Conyers has announced that he will be stepping down as the top Democrat of the House Judiciary Committee. 

The 88-year-old has been accused of sexually harassing female staff members as well as using "official resources for impermissible personal purposes" and a House Ethics Committee investigation is currently underway. As such, Conyers has decided to step down in order to avoid creating a distraction for his House colleagues.

Conyers denies the allegations and said in a statement that he would like to remain in the leadership role, but couldn't do so "in good conscience" due to the ongoing congressional investigation. 

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi previously defended Conyers as an "icon" for women's rights stating that he deserved "due process" and predicted he would "do the right thing," before he released his statement. Conyers confirmed that he will fully cooperate with the investigation process.

Since Conyers stepped down, a second ex-staffer has come forward with similar accusations, according to The Detroit News. Deanna Maher, Conyers former deputy chief of staff who worked for him from 1997 to 2005, said the politician made unwanted advances toward her on three separate occasions.

Accusations against Conyers first made headlines last week when Buzzfeed News reported a 2015 settlement he and a former staffer reached for a total of $27,000 in exchange for a confidentiality agreement. He confirmed making the payment but denies firing her for refusing his sexual advances.

We'll keep you updated as the story unfolds.