Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) posted a video late Friday, firmly refuting the sexual assault claims against him, describing the allegations as “completely false” and “absolutely false.”
Swalwell, a prominent Democratic contender for governor of California, has been accused by a former female staff member of multiple sexual assaults while he was intoxicated. Additional reports have surfaced regarding sexual harassment directed at other female employees, as noted by the San Francisco Chronicle.
The unnamed accuser, who worked for Swalwell for approximately two years, claimed he pursued her soon after she began working at age 21 in his district office, despite her being married.
“A lot has been said about me today through anonymous allegations, so I thought it was crucial for you to see and hear from me directly. The sexual assault claims are completely false,” Swalwell stated in his social media video. “They didn’t happen. They never happened. I will fight against these assertions with everything I have.”
The alleged victim accused Swalwell of coercing her into sending explicit photos while he also shared nude images of himself. She mentioned an incident where, while in a car together, he reportedly exposed himself and demanded oral sex.
Several young staff members described experiences of blacking out from drinking and later waking up in Swalwell’s hotel bed, with indications that sexual acts had occurred. Following one incident, Swalwell reportedly withdrew from her, causing their relationship to decline.
She indicated that they encountered each other again after she left his employment, during which another incident allegedly took place.
Swalwell remarked in the video that he is not “perfect” or a “saint,” but he insisted that past “lapses in judgment” are personal matters between him and his wife. He later expressed regret for potentially causing doubt among his supporters but asserted, “I think you know who I am.”
“For over 20 years, I have served the public as a City Council member, as a Congressman, and as a prosecutor advocating for victims, especially those of sexual assault,” Swalwell emphasized. “That’s who I am and always have been.”
The allegations have prompted some of Swalwell’s key Democratic backers to withdraw their support in the gubernatorial race, with some even urging him to step aside.
As of Saturday morning, Swalwell is still in the running for the California governorship.
