The Manhattan District Attorney's Office says it has launched an investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against US congressman Eric Swalwell. Four women have accused him of misconduct ranging from sexual harassment to rape, including an alleged incident in New York. Swalwell, a leading contender in California's governor race, denies the claims, vowing to defend himself with 'facts'.
'We urge survivors and anyone with knowledge of these allegations to contact our Special Victims Division,' said the New York City prosecutor's office. Representatives for Swalwell - who was elected in 2012 to a district near San Francisco - did not immediately respond to the BBC's request for comment.
In urging accusers to come forward, the district attorney's office stated, 'Our specially trained prosecutors, investigators and counselors are well-equipped to help you in a trauma-informed, survivor-centered manner.' The investigation was announced shortly after Swalwell called the allegations 'false' in a separate statement.
'For nearly 20 years, I have served the public - as a prosecutor and a congressman and have always protected women,' the married father-of-three stated. He added, 'I will defend myself with the facts and where necessary bring legal action.'
The first allegation against Swalwell emerged publicly in a recent report. A former staff member alleged that shortly after being hired, Swalwell made inappropriate comments, requesting sexual favors and sending sexual messages. She claimed to have been assaulted twice by Swalwell, with one incident reportedly happening after drinks in 2019 and another following a charity gala in New York in 2024.
The allegations brought to light by CNN involve four women accusing Swalwell of sexual misconduct. His legal team has even issued cease-and-desist letters to two accusers, indicating a serious legal pushback. Ideally, Swalwell aims for direct communication with the public through platforms like Facebook, asserting the need to address allegations personally and acknowledging past mistakes but differentiated from the current accusations.
The unfolding situation takes place on a pivotal stage in the California gubernatorial race as prompt backing wanes for Swalwell following the allegations, jeopardizing his position in a highly competitive field just weeks before the June election.
'We urge survivors and anyone with knowledge of these allegations to contact our Special Victims Division,' said the New York City prosecutor's office. Representatives for Swalwell - who was elected in 2012 to a district near San Francisco - did not immediately respond to the BBC's request for comment.
In urging accusers to come forward, the district attorney's office stated, 'Our specially trained prosecutors, investigators and counselors are well-equipped to help you in a trauma-informed, survivor-centered manner.' The investigation was announced shortly after Swalwell called the allegations 'false' in a separate statement.
'For nearly 20 years, I have served the public - as a prosecutor and a congressman and have always protected women,' the married father-of-three stated. He added, 'I will defend myself with the facts and where necessary bring legal action.'
The first allegation against Swalwell emerged publicly in a recent report. A former staff member alleged that shortly after being hired, Swalwell made inappropriate comments, requesting sexual favors and sending sexual messages. She claimed to have been assaulted twice by Swalwell, with one incident reportedly happening after drinks in 2019 and another following a charity gala in New York in 2024.
The allegations brought to light by CNN involve four women accusing Swalwell of sexual misconduct. His legal team has even issued cease-and-desist letters to two accusers, indicating a serious legal pushback. Ideally, Swalwell aims for direct communication with the public through platforms like Facebook, asserting the need to address allegations personally and acknowledging past mistakes but differentiated from the current accusations.
The unfolding situation takes place on a pivotal stage in the California gubernatorial race as prompt backing wanes for Swalwell following the allegations, jeopardizing his position in a highly competitive field just weeks before the June election.
