In #MeToo era, when you may get an accusation of "sexual harrasment"for almost any word said (and even more - for any deed) - i can undertand candidate's precaution...
What proof do you offer that there's some epidemic of false allegations of sexual assault and harassment?
Statistical one. An avalanche of such scandals in 2017-2018. In fact there was very little "sexual" and almost no "harrassment" in most of such cases, but many men are simply frightened now, when almost any word or joke may be interpreted this way with far-reaching political and other consequences. Thanks God it's not so widespread in Russia, where i live now.