[WATCH] Trump apologizes after obscene comments on women caught on tape

Donald Trump was forced to apologize after several fellow Republicans and opponents condemned him for obscene boasts that he has used his fame to sexually prey on women.

Trump’s presidential campaign was plunged into a crisis on Friday when a tape from 2005 emerged in which the candidate boasted to a TV host that when approaching beautiful women he can “grab them by the pussy”, kiss and grope them because he is a start.

In the leaked conversation, Trump told Billy Bush – a cousin of George and Jeb Bush who was hosting the show Access Hollywood at the time – about his approach with women as they prepared to meet a soap opera star for a segment.

Trump, who was then newly-married, recounted how he had made a pass at a married woman. “I moved on her I failed I admit…I did try and fuck her. She was married. I moved on her like a bitch but I couldn’t get there and she was married.

“I am automatically attracted to beautiful women. I just start kissing them. It’s like a magnet. Just kiss, I don’t even wait…and when you’re a star they let you do it. You can do anything.

Bush egged Trump on before the Republican nominee said: “Grab them by the pussy. You can do anything.”

Hillary Clinton, the Democratic candidate on president, said on Twitter: “This is horrific. We cannot allow this man to become president.”

Trump had initially dismissed the vulgar comments as “locket room banter, a private room conversation that took place many years ago”.

“Bill Clinton has said far worse to me on the golf course – not even close. I apologize if anyone was offended.”

However, as fellow Republicans lined up to condemn their candidate and Speaker of the House Paul Ryan cancelled a joint campaign appearance, Trump was forced into a fuller apology.

In a 90-second videotape released just after midnighy, Trump apologized for the comments and said that “these words don’t reflect who I am”.

“I’ve said and done things I regret. Anyone who knows me knows these words don’t reflect who I am. I said it, it was wrong, and I apologize,” he said. “I’ve never said I’m a perfect person not pretended to be someone I’m not. I pledge to be a better man tomorrow.

“I’ve said some foolish things but there is a big difference between the words and actions of other people. Bill Clinton has actually abused women and Hillary has bullied, attacked, shamed and intimidated his victims. We will discuss this more in the coming days. See you at the debate on Sunday.”