Rep. Debbie Dingell Deborah (Debbie) Ann DingellRaces heat up for House leadership posts Michigan Rep. Debbie Dingell easily wins House primary Court orders release of Black Michigan teen who was jailed for missing schoolwork MORE (D-Mich.) said early Tuesday that 50 women reached out to her in one day after she shared her experiences with sexual harassment.

"By Saturday, 50 women had reached out to me or called me," Dingell said on CNN's "New Day." "A 21-year-old woman hugged me at an event Friday night and said 'I'm that waitress you spoke for.'"

Dingell recalled her experiences on "New Day" last Friday, recounting how she had been groped by a "prominent historical person" in the 1980s.

ADVERTISEMENT

Her account came as a growing number of prominent men in politics, business, media and beyond face allegations of sexual misconduct. Some lawmakers, including Dingell, have called on Congress to crack down on such behavior.

Dingell said on Tuesday that she has faced "hostile comments" from some men since she spoke out, though others have been supportive of her efforts.

"Men are uncomfortable with this discussion, and I've had some hostile comments," she said. "That's why people like me are willing to talk, because we're strong enough to take them."