Rep. Eric Swalwell Takes Legal Action Against False Sexual Misconduct Accusations Ahead of Gubernatorial Election
California gubernatorial candidate Rep. Eric Swalwell has taken legal action against individuals spreading false accusations of sexual misconduct against him. A letter from his attorney warned of potential defamation lawsuits for those making baseless claims about nonconsensual encounters with women. The allegations, which Swalwell vehemently denies, have surfaced online just days before the upcoming election.
The letter, posted by Democratic activist Cheyenne Hunt, called out the recipients for spreading rumors of sexual assault and harassment by Swalwell. It emphasized the seriousness of the false accusations and their impact on the gubernatorial race. Swalwell's legal team highlighted the potential legal consequences for those involved in spreading defamatory information.
Amidst the rumors, Hunt and other activists have circulated claims that Swalwell engaged in inappropriate behavior with female staffers, allegedly coercing them into signing non-disclosure agreements. Swalwell has refuted these allegations, labeling them as false and outrageous. He denied ever engaging in sexual relationships with staff members or interns, firmly rejecting the accusations.
The unsubstantiated allegations against Swalwell have caused a stir within the Democratic Party, with some candidates expressing concern over the troubling nature of the claims. Former Rep. Katie Porter and ex-Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa have raised doubts about Swalwell's conduct based on the circulating rumors. However, other Democrats have dismissed the accusations as a smear campaign orchestrated to undermine Swalwell's candidacy.
Despite the controversy, Swalwell remains a prominent figure in the gubernatorial race, garnering support from influential unions and lawmakers. Recent polls indicate that Swalwell, along with other Democratic contenders like Tom Steyer and Katie Porter, are leading the pack among Democratic candidates. On the Republican side, former Fox News host Steve Hilton, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, has emerged as a frontrunner in recent surveys, capturing significant voter support in California.