Recent financial disclosures reveal that Eric Swalwell spent $40,000 in campaign funds on a prominent Los Angeles attorney to fight against sexual assault allegations that have significantly impacted his political career.
Swalwell, who previously ran for governor in California, utilized money from that campaign to hire attorney Sara Azhari. She has a background in handling cases related to sexual misconduct, particularly in light of the #MeToo movement.
In a discussion with NewsNation, Azhari defended Swalwell vigorously, suggesting that his accusers were only embarrassed by their interactions with him. She stated, “Repentance is not rape,” underlining her view that regret does not equate to assault.
She elaborated, “The fact that a day later, years later, or whatever, you may have been ashamed of what you did… doesn’t mean it was rape,” reinforcing Swalwell’s position that he did not commit any wrongdoing.
Azhari also emphasized that Swalwell’s ability to defend himself amid such serious allegations reflects a level of accountability. “This is not about him doing these things and resigning,” she commented.
Revelations of multiple accusations against Swalwell, including a serious claim from a Los Angeles model alleging drugging and assault in a hotel, have severely damaged his reputation and support base.
Currently, he is under investigation in both Los Angeles and New York, as well as by the Department of Justice, yet he has denied all allegations, acknowledging only “misjudgments” from his past.
With his congressional seat unoccupied, Governor Gavin Newsom has scheduled a special election for August to fill the vacancy.
Since the allegations became public, Swalwell has kept a low profile. His family was recently seen at an airport in Mexico after taking a luxurious vacation, highlighting his absence from the public eye.
