Donald Trump has met women who have accused former US president Bill Clinton of rape and other unwanted sexual advances, just over an hour before he faces Hillary Clinton in a televised debate.
The Trump pre-debate event is thought to be a sign that he plans to use Mr Clinton as a distraction from the controversy over his own predatory remarks about women.
The Republican White House candidate has rejected calls to quit the presidential race amid the outrage over his comments in a 2005 video tape.
Mr Trump refused to answer questions from reporters about the video during his meeting in a hotel conference room with Paula Jones, Kathy Shelton, Juanita Broaddrick and Kathleen Willey, the Associated Press reported, adding that some of the women were graphic in their accusations against the Clintons.
Following the event, Hillary for America communications director Jennifer Palmieri said: "We're not surprised to see Donald Trump continue his destructive race to the bottom.
"Hillary Clinton understands the opportunity in this town hall is to talk to voters on stage and in the audience about the issues that matter to them, and this stunt doesn't change that. If Donald Trump doesn't see that, that's his loss.
"As always, she's prepared to handle whatever Donald Trump throws her way."