Eric Swalwell has launched an up to date assertion after a contemporary rape declare was leveled in opposition to him on Tuesday morning.
The underneath hearth congressman “categorically and unequivocally” denied all of the allegations in opposition to him from a number of girls in a blistering rebuttal.
He claimed they had been a part of a “coordinated rollout” of “heinous allegations” and argued none of it was “about justice or the reality.”
His feedback got here simply hours after a bombshell press convention the place a brand new sufferer detailed a declare of rape in opposition to him throughout an evening out in West Hollywood in 2018.
In a press release launched by his TV star lawyer Sara Azari, Swalwell stated: “Congressman Eric Swalwell categorically and unequivocally denies each allegation of sexual misconduct and assault that has been leveled in opposition to him.
“These accusations are false, fabricated, and deeply offensive — a calculated and clear political hit job designed to destroy the status of a person who has spent twenty years in public service.
“The timing, nature, and coordinated rollout of those vile and heinous allegations communicate for themselves. That is neither about justice, nor the reality.
“It is a ruthless and shameless try to smear Congressman Swalwell. Congressman Swalwell has devoted his profession to defending the Structure, defending civil liberties, and standing as much as those that
abuse energy.
“He has by no means wavered in that battle — and he won’t waver now. We’ll battle these despicable and baseless accusations with the identical tenacity, braveness, and conviction that has outlined the Congressman’s public service.
“We’re assured that the reality will prevail, and we are going to pursue each obtainable authorized treatment in opposition to these chargeable for orchestrating this reprehensible marketing campaign of lies.”
Swalwell is being represented by Azari, who usually options on CNN, NBC and ABC and specialised in white collar crime.
Right here’s the newest on the allegations in opposition to Rep. Eric Swalwell
When requested if Swalwell — who has vanished because the claims got here out — would communicate to the California Publish immediately to deal with the claims, she curtly replied: “No.”
Swalwell has been accused by a number of girls of sexual assault, together with two who now declare he raped them.
At an explosive press convention on Tuesday morning, former mannequin Lonna Drewes outlined allegations he raped her at a resort in West Hollywood in 2018.
The 50-year-old stated she thought she was mates with the congressman however claimed he spiked her drink earlier than choking and sexually assaulting her.
She sobbed as she claimed he was masquerading as serving to her style software program firm take off, however ended up destroying her life and left her “crying on a regular basis.”
Sitting alongside how-powered lawyer Lisa Bloom, Drewes stated at a press convention in Beverly Hills: “In 2018, whereas I used to be residing and dealing as a mannequin in Beverly Hills, and I additionally owned a style software program firm, I had contact with Eric Swalwell on three separate events.
“After assembly, he provided me connections to additional my software program firm, and I additionally had an curiosity in native politics.
“He invited me to 2 public occasions. I knew he was married on the time and that his spouse was pregnant. He was my good friend. On the third event, I imagine he drugged my drink. I solely had one glass of wine.
“We had been alleged to go to a political occasion, and he stated he wanted to get paperwork from his resort room.
“After I arrived at his resort room, I used to be already incapacitated, and I couldn’t transfer my arms over my physique. He raped me, and he choked me. And whereas he was choking me, I misplaced consciousness. I assumed I died.
“I didn’t consent to any sexual exercise, though I didn’t bear a rape package on the time, I disclosed the assault to the individuals closest to me.
“I additionally recorded these occasions in my handwritten calendar. The assault and its influence had been later documented throughout my remedy periods at a sexual assault heart in Connecticut.
“It had a profound influence on my psychological well being. I self-medicated in an unhealthy means. I didn’t wish to dwell anymore.
“I cried on a regular basis for years. On the time, I used to be in a courting relationship with a boyfriend I used to be totally dedicated to.
“I’ve by no means cheated in my life, and I might by no means have engaged in a consensual sexual encounter. That actuality additional underscores the non-consensual nature of what occurred.
“It was a politically uncommon, intense time in Beverly Hills, and I used to be contemplating a run for metropolis council, which positioned me in proximity to political figures and occasions, and added to the stress to stay composed and silent.
“Eric was conscious I owned a software program firm, and he spoke repeatedly about his skill to make introductions, referencing his political illustration and affect there.
“I used to be not taken with him romantically, however I used to be within the enterprise relationship {and professional} connections he provided to offer.
“My delay in taking motion in opposition to Eric was pushed by worry, not doubt, worry of his political energy, his background as an lawyer, and his household legislation enforcement ties.
“I’ve by no means doubted what occurred. I stand with the opposite girls who’ve come ahead, and I will likely be making a report back to Legislation Enforcement shortly with my attorneys.”
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