U.S. Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) speaks during a Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing for U.S. Supreme Court nominee judge Brett Kavanaugh on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., September 4, 2018. REUTERS/Chris Wattie

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A public hearing on accusations that U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted a woman 36 years ago will be held, Republican Senator John Kennedy told reporters on Monday, according to multiple media reports.

Both Kavanaugh, who denies the accusations, and his accuser, Christine Blasey Ford, will have the opportunity to testify, Kennedy said, according to the reports. Kennedy is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which is handling the nomination. He did not say when the hearing would be held.