WASHINGTON, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- U.S. lawmaker John Conyers, a long-term civil right icon for many Americans, stepped down as the ranking Democratic member of the House Judiciary Committee on Sunday, amid a probe over multiple sexual harassment accusations against him.

However, Conyers said he denied the allegations, but was stepping down because of the ongoing House Ethics Committee investigation.

"I deny these allegations, many of which were raised by documents reportedly paid for by a partisan alt-right blogger. I very much look forward to vindicating myself and my family before the House Committee on Ethics," the 27-term congressman said in a statement.

Earlier in the day, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi called for "due process" before making conclusions about Conyers, repeating that she wants to see the investigation of Conyers play out.

"John Conyers is an icon in our country. He has done a great deal to protect women," said Pelosi on NBC's "Meet The Press" program, citing the Violence Against Women Act which she said Conyers had contributed a lot.

Asked if she believes the accusations against Conyers, Pelosi said: "I do not know who they are. Do you? They have not really come forward."

Pelosi later said in a statement: "Zero tolerance means consequences. I have asked for an ethics investigation, and as that investigation continues, Congressman Conyers has agreed to step aside as Ranking Member."

Conyers'office recently confirmed issuing a settlement of 27,000 dollars to a former staffer who says she was fired for resisting the congressman's sexual advances, according to a NBC news report.

Conyers has acknowledged the payout, which he said amounted to a severance package, but he denied the allegations about what it was for, said the report.

Pelosi was also asked whether she would accept an apology from Democratic Senator Al Franken, who has apologized after being accused of unwanted touching from multiple women, if no other accusers surfaced.

"His accusers have to accept an apology," Pelosi said. "The victims have some say in all of this, as well. And that has happened in the past. People have accepted an apology, as is coming forth now that I see in the press."