Oprah Winfrey has submitted a tape to the Senate in which the ex-wife of one of Donald Trump’s cabinet picks claims he physically beat her during an abusive relationship, it has been reported.

Andrew Puzder was selected by President Trump for the position of Labour Secretary. He is still awaiting confirmation by the Senate.

During a previously forgotten episode of the Oprah Winfrey show which aired in the 1990s, his ex-wife alleged that he had subjected her to domestic violence.

The episode was called “High-Class Battered Women” and discussed abusive relationships among the elite social groups. It is understood Mr Puzder’s ex-wife appeared with her identity obscured in the video.

Ms Winfrey has submitted the episode to senators, Politico reports. Democrat Patty Murray told the media outlet she was “deeply troubled” by the footage. She defended the decision of Senators to view it: “It was important for us to know all of the information about any candidate that comes before us.”

However, Mr Puzder’s ex-wife has reportedly retracted elements of her comments during the footage, in a letter sent to the Senate committee.

Republican politician Lamar Alexander said he still intends to vote in favour of confirming Mr Puzder to the role, telling Politico: “That happened 27 years ago. His former wife has said it was all not true. She has reiterated that in a heartfelt letter to members of the committee and has been willing to talk to members of the committee so I don’t think that’s an issue.”

President Trump’s choice of cabinet picks has been shrouded in controversy. A number of controversial nominees are still awaiting confirmation. In addition to Mr Puzder President Trump’s pick for Education Secretary Betsy DeVos has been subject to fierce criticism and protests, amid claims she lacks experience or interest in education policy. The billionaire philanthropist has never attended a public school or worked in one and is a strong advocate of controversial ‘voucher’ schemes. In a highly unusual move, two Republican Senators refused to support her confirmation, however the party still had enough votes to pass it despite their dissent.

The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Show all 9 1 /9 The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the media White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer takes questions during the daily press briefing Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Union leaders applaud US President Donald Trump for signing an executive order withdrawing the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations during a meeting in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington DC. Mr Trump issued a presidential memorandum in January announcing that the US would withdraw from the trade deal Getty The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Mexico wall A US Border Patrol vehicle sits waiting for illegal immigrants at a fence opening near the US-Mexico border near McAllen, Texas. The number of incoming immigrants has surged ahead of the upcoming Presidential inauguration of Donald Trump, who has pledged to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. A signature campaign promise, Mr Trump outlined his intention to build a border wall on the US-Mexico border days after taking office Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and abortion US President Donald Trump signs an executive order as Chief of Staff Reince Priebus looks on in the Oval Office of the White House. Mr Trump reinstated a ban on American financial aide being granted to non-governmental organizations that provide abortion counseling, provide abortion referrals, or advocate for abortion access outside of the United States Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Dakota Access pipeline Opponents of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines hold a rally as they protest US President Donald Trump's executive orders advancing their construction, at Columbus Circle in New York. US President Donald Trump signed executive orders reviving the construction of two controversial oil pipelines, but said the projects would be subject to renegotiation Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and 'Obamacare' Nancy Pelosi who is the minority leader of the House of Representatives speaks beside House Democrats at an event to protect the Affordable Care Act in Los Angeles, California. US President Donald Trump's effort to make good on his campaign promise to repeal and replace the healthcare law failed when Republicans failed to get enough votes. Mr Trump has promised to revisit the matter Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Donald Trump and 'sanctuary cities' US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January threatening to pull funding for so-called "sanctuary cities" if they do not comply with federal immigration law AP The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the travel ban US President Donald Trump has attempted twice to restrict travel into the United States from several predominantly Muslim countries. The first attempt, in February, was met with swift opposition from protesters who flocked to airports around the country. That travel ban was later blocked by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The second ban was blocked by a federal judge a day before it was scheduled to be implemented in mid-March SANDY HUFFAKER/AFP/Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and climate change US President Donald Trump sought to dismantle several of his predecessor's actions on climate change in March. His order instructed the Environmental Protection Agency to reevaluate the Clean Power Plan, which would cap power plant emissions Shannon Stapleton/Reuters