Sen. Ted Cruz Rafael (Ted) Edward CruzTrump argues full Supreme Court needed to settle potential election disputes Press: Notorious RBG vs Notorious GOP The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - Washington on edge amid SCOTUS vacancy MORE (R-Texas) joined a growing chorus of Republicans disavowing lewd comments Donald Trump Donald John TrumpOmar fires back at Trump over rally remarks: 'This is my country' Pelosi: Trump hurrying to fill SCOTUS seat so he can repeal ObamaCare Trump mocks Biden appearance, mask use ahead of first debate MORE made about women in 2005, calling the remarks "disturbing and inappropriate."

"These comments are disturbing and inappropriate, there is simply no excuse for them," he said on Twitter. "Every wife, mother, daughter — every person — deserves to be treated with dignity and respect."

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The Washington Post published audio of the businessman making explicit comments about trying to have sex with women, which were caught on a hot mic in 2005. Trump issued a half-apology, saying the comments were private "locker-room banter" and "I apologize if anyone was offended."

A growing number of Cruz's congressional colleagues — including Speaker Paul Ryan Paul Davis RyanKenosha will be a good bellwether in 2020 At indoor rally, Pence says election runs through Wisconsin Juan Williams: Breaking down the debates MORE (R-Wis.) and Sen. John McCain John Sidney McCainCindy McCain endorses Biden: He's only candidate 'who stands up for our values' Biden says Cindy McCain will endorse him Biden's six best bets in 2016 Trump states MORE (R-Ariz.) — have denounced Trump's remarks.

The controversy comes only weeks after Cruz reversed course and threw his support behind Trump. The Texas Republican had refused to do so months for months after a bitter primary battle that included Trump insulting Cruz's wife.

"A year ago, I pledged to endorse the Republican nominee, and I am honoring that commitment," Cruz wrote in late September. "And if you don’t want to see a Hillary Clinton Hillary Diane Rodham ClintonButtigieg stands in as Pence for Harris's debate practice Senate GOP sees early Supreme Court vote as political booster shot Poll: 51 percent of voters want to abolish the electoral college MORE presidency, I encourage you to vote for him.”

Cruz had faced political backlash after refusing to endorse Trump during a speech at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland in July, including stirring talk of a tough primary challenge from Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas).

But Trump has been stuck in a string of setbacks in recent weeks, including a damaging feud with former Miss Universe Alicia Machado and a first presidential debate performance that drew lackluster reviews.