Top GOP California recall candidate Larry Elder revealed in 2011 that he had twice been accused of sexual harassment

• The top Republican in California's recall election is facing several sexual misconduct allegations.
• Larry Elder said in 2011 that a woman was too ugly for him to sexually harass, per CNN.
• Elder, a conservative talk radio host, solicited call-ins from men accused of harassment.

Larry Elder, the top Republican candidate in California's gubernatorial recall election, disclosed during episodes of his radio show in 2011 that he was accused twice for sexual harassment, CNN reported on Thursday.

Elder - who denied both allegations at the time - said in one instance that an employee accused him of hitting on her while he was working as an attorney at a private practice in the 1980s. He claimed that the woman was too ugly for the allegations to be true, CNN reported.

"This woman who tried to break the contract, not to compete and then accused me of hitting on her," Elder said in one episode of his radio show, according to CNN. "That's how - that's how she put it. If you had seen her, you would know that the picture would be a complete defense. I'm just saying."

He later said the claim was false and the woman backed down when he threatened to sue her for defamation, the report said.

According to CNN, Elder also disclosed an incident where, as a television host, he encouraged a guest to show off a butt tattoo in front of two camerawomen.

CNN reported that he was told to apologize or he would be fired.

Elder said in a Tuesday interview with CNN that he didn't recall disclosing the harassment claims.

Under California's recall system, Elder could become governor of California with only around 20% to 30% of the vote if at least 50% of voters vote "yes" to remove Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom from office. Elder is one of 46 candidates who will be on the ballot for voters in favor of ousting Newsom.

On Wednesday, Elder's ex-fiancee, Alexandra Datig, filed a police report alleging domestic abuse when she was living with him. Datig also accused Elder of waving a gun at her.

He's also facing a state probe into his financial details after the Los Angeles Times reported possible improperly listed business disclosures involving Laurence A. Elder & Associates Inc., a company he appeared to own.

The recall election is less than two weeks away on September 14.