NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The newly sworn-in Speaker of the House Kent Williams is facing accusations that he sexually harassed a fellow lawmaker.

Video: New House Speaker Accused Of Harassment

Williams, 59, is denying claims that he made unwelcome comments to Rep. Susan Lynn in 2007.

The Tennessean reported that the comments prompted a meeting among Republican officials, including Jason Mumpower and Lynn. Williams reportedly later apologized for the alleged comments.

Mumpower's 2007 memo contains allegations of sexual harassment made by Lynn of Mount Juliet. She claims Williams made inappropriate comments to her about her appearance.

One line in the memo reads that Williams said to Lynn that he would give a week's pay to see her naked.

The memo goes on to point out that the two met to discuss the alleged behavior. At a time after that, Lynn said that Williams inappropriately touched her.

A number of people in the state government were made aware of the memo when it was authored in 2007. Among those, Jimmy Naifeh, who was House speaker at the time.

When asked when he found out about the allegation, Naifeh said, "Just today." He then said, "I remember something about it a couple years ago. Here again, I'm not supposed to be talking about it."

In a statement released Tuesday, Williams said he never sexually harassed anyone.

Lynn said the details in the memo are true and that she went to Mumpower to get counsel and to get the situation resolved.

Williams was the surprise winner of the chamber's top post last week when all 49 Democrats backed him to beat House Republican Leader Jason Mumpower of Bristol by a single vote.

Williams immediately announced he wanted to quickly pass a long-stalled constitutional amendment to restrict access to abortions and bills to expand the areas where people with handgun permits can carry weapons.