The Manhattan District Attorney's Office has launched an investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against U.S. Congressman Eric Swalwell. Four women accuse him of various degrees of misconduct, ranging from sexual harassment to rape, including an incident alleged to have occurred in New York. Swalwell, a leading contender in California's governor race, denies the claims, asserting that he will defend himself with factual evidence.
In a statement, the New York City prosecutor's office urged survivors or anyone with information about the allegations to reach out to their Special Victims Division, emphasizing their commitment to helping victims in a trauma-informed manner. Despite the serious nature of the accusations, representatives for Swalwell had not immediately provided comments upon request.
The investigation surfaced a day after Swalwell publicly declared the allegations to be false. He highlighted his nearly 20 years of public service, mentioning his dedication to protecting women and stating, I will defend myself with the facts and where necessary bring legal action.
The first of the allegations became public on Friday, where a former staff member claimed that after being hired in Swalwell's Castro Valley district office, he made inappropriate comments, soliciting her for sex and sending sexual messages. The woman alleged that Swalwell assaulted her twice, once in September 2019 after drinks together and again in 2024 after a charity gala in New York, claiming intoxication prevented her from giving consent.
The BBC has not independently verified the allegations, but Swalwell's legal team has sent cease-and-desist letters to two of the accusers. Following the emergence of these allegations, Swalwell's gubernatorial campaign has lost crucial support from prominent figures, such as Senator Adam Schiff and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Responses from California's political establishment have been swift, with Governor Gavin Newsom and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi expressing that the allegations are troubling and best addressed outside the context of the ongoing gubernatorial campaign.
As the investigation unfolds, Swalwell's campaign faces significant challenges in a crowded Democratic primary that could jeopardize the party's chances in the upcoming November general election.
In a statement, the New York City prosecutor's office urged survivors or anyone with information about the allegations to reach out to their Special Victims Division, emphasizing their commitment to helping victims in a trauma-informed manner. Despite the serious nature of the accusations, representatives for Swalwell had not immediately provided comments upon request.
The investigation surfaced a day after Swalwell publicly declared the allegations to be false. He highlighted his nearly 20 years of public service, mentioning his dedication to protecting women and stating, I will defend myself with the facts and where necessary bring legal action.
The first of the allegations became public on Friday, where a former staff member claimed that after being hired in Swalwell's Castro Valley district office, he made inappropriate comments, soliciting her for sex and sending sexual messages. The woman alleged that Swalwell assaulted her twice, once in September 2019 after drinks together and again in 2024 after a charity gala in New York, claiming intoxication prevented her from giving consent.
The BBC has not independently verified the allegations, but Swalwell's legal team has sent cease-and-desist letters to two of the accusers. Following the emergence of these allegations, Swalwell's gubernatorial campaign has lost crucial support from prominent figures, such as Senator Adam Schiff and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Responses from California's political establishment have been swift, with Governor Gavin Newsom and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi expressing that the allegations are troubling and best addressed outside the context of the ongoing gubernatorial campaign.
As the investigation unfolds, Swalwell's campaign faces significant challenges in a crowded Democratic primary that could jeopardize the party's chances in the upcoming November general election.
