Congressman Eric Swalwell, a Democrat representing California’s 14th congressional district, is addressing claims he sexually assaulted and harassed numerous women, including former coworkers, while in office.
“A lot has been said about me today through anonymous allegations. I thought it was important that you see and hear from me directly,” the congressman, 45, said in a video shared via social media on Friday, April 10. “These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They are absolutely false. They did not happen. They have never happened. And I will fight them with everything I have.
He continued, “They also come on the eve of an election, where I have been the frontrunner candidate for governor of California. I do not suggest to you in any way that I am perfect or that I’m a saint — I have certainly made mistakes in judgment in my past, but those mistakes are between me and my wife. And to her, I apologize deeply for putting her in this potion.” (Swalwell shares three children, Nelson, Cricket and Hank, with his wife, Brittany Watts.)
Four women have accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct, including a former staffer who accused the politician of raping her, according to a CNN investigation published on Friday. While most of the women chose to remain anonymous for fear “of retaliation by Swalwell or professional consequences for speaking out against him,” CNN reported, one woman — Ally Sammarco – went on the record with her allegations.
“My wife’s name is Ally Sammarco,” the woman’s husband, Adam Parkhomenko, wrote via Twitter, responding to Swalwell’s video. “Obviously you know that, but she’s not named anonymous. And she also went on the record with CNN so that hopefully this does not happen to other women and maybe it would help other women come forward. She also provided CNN all of the messages that you sent her. I’ve been very supportive of you over the years but even I learned a lot today. And she has my full support.”
Us Weekly has reached out to Swalwell for comment.
In his Friday video, Swalwell went on to apologize to anyone who may have “doubted” their support for the congressman amid his bid for governor of California amid the allegations.
“I think you know who I am,” he added. “For over 20 years, I have served the public as a city councilman, as a member of congress and as a prosecutor who went to court on behalf of victims — particularly on behalf of sexual assault victims. That’s who I am and have always been.”
He concluded, “This weekend I’m gonna spend time with my family and friends and I appreciate those who have reached out to me to show support. And I look forward to updating you very soon.
In addition to vehemently denying the women’s claims, Swalwell has threatened legal action, per CNN. He has reportedly sent some of his accusers cease and desist orders.
Many prominent members of the Democratic party, including Nancy Pelosi and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have called on Swalwell to withdraw his campaign for governor in the wake of the allegations.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
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