CANADIAN Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has responded to allegations that he groped a female reporter 18 years ago, saying he doesn’t recall “any negative interactions that day at all.”

Trudeau, who has long spoken out against sexual harassment, briefly addressed the matter when asked by a reporter Sunday at an event in Regina, Saskatchewan.

The question concerns a charity fundraiser that Trudeau, then 28, attended in Creston, British Columbia, before he launched his political career. Trudeau is the son of late Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau.

Trudeau attended the fundraiser to support avalanche safety. An unsigned editorial that appeared at the time in the Creston Valley Advance newspaper said he apologized for inappropriate “handling” of the woman. The editorial did not provide any details, but said Trudeau “blatantly disrespected” the reporter.

The prime minister said Sunday: “I remember that day in Creston well. ... I had a good day that day; I don’t remember any negative interactions that day at all.”

Trudeau’s office reiterated his stance Monday.

The woman told CBC News that she did not want her name to be used and did not want to be contacted about the story.

(SD-Agencies)