Pete Hegseth, President-elect Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, denied allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman in 2017 in a statement through his attorney.
Timothy Parlatore said his client was “completely innocent.”
“The woman was acquitted after a police investigation established that she was the perpetrator in the situation and had been the target of threats at the time,” Palator said in a statement. “These false claims undermine the seriousness of actual sexual assault cases.”
Hegseth, from Fox News, was investigated for sexual assault at a hotel in Monterey, California in October 2017, and the victim also suffered bruising on her right thigh.
city of monterrey There was no indication that charges had been filed in the case.Don’t even name Hexet as the attacker. released last week Check your research.
Trump is doing his best to appoint Hegseth as Secretary of Defense despite concerns about the 2017 incident. According to the New York Times.
The Times reported that Trump’s team received a note from someone who claimed to be a friend of the woman who had been sexually assaulted. The note, which has not been independently verified, says the woman, with her husband and children, was the host of a conference at which Hegseth spoke in October 2017 at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa.
According to The Times, Hegseth was pushy about taking two women from a bar to his hotel room, and the women reportedly walked over to intervene. According to the note, the woman only has vague memories of being in Hegseth’s room and then walking to her own room.
Parlatore confirmed that he sent the woman a cease-and-desist letter in 2020 after learning she was going to file a lawsuit against Hegseth.
The lawyer said the encounter was consensual and that Hegseth was intoxicated. Parlatore said the two parties reached the agreement months after a ceasefire due to concerns about claims coming out during the #metoo movement.
Hegseth, an Army National Guard veteran, has worked as a commentator for Fox News since 2014 and is a former co-host of “FOX & Friends Weekend.”
Hegseth, who previously led the organization Concerned Veterans for America, has come under scrutiny since President Trump selected him to be Secretary of Defense.
He called for the removal of “woke” generals from the Pentagon, defended the rioters at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, and said women should not serve in combat roles and members of the transgender community should not be allowed to serve. said. any.
Hegseth joins at least three other candidates chosen by Trump who have been criticized for their lack of experience and extreme views.
1. Introduction to Mr. Pete Hegseth and his appointment as Secretary of Defense:
Interviewer: Can you tell us more about Pete Hegseth, President Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense? What experiences and qualifications does he bring to this role?
2. Denial of Sexual Assault Allegations:
Interviewer: Mr. Hegseth’s attorney has denied the allegations of sexual assault. Can you explain how he plans to address these serious allegations and maintain his credibility?
3. Police Investigation and Lack of Charges:
Interviewer: The city of Monterey released a statement indicating that no charges were filed against Mr. Hegseth. How does this impact the allegations and what role does the lack of legal action play in his defense?
4. Trump’s Appointment Despite Concerns:
Interviewer: Considering the controversy surrounding these allegations, why do you think President Trump continues to move forward with Hegseth’s appointment? What unique perspective or expertise does he bring to the position that outweighs these concerns?
5. New York Times Report on the Incident:
Interviewer: The New York Times reported that Hegseth pushed for two women to join him in his hotel room and later violated one of them. How does this report change the narrative around the incident and its seriousness?
6. Cease-and-Desist Letter and Settlement:
Interviewer: Parlatore sent a cease-and-desist letter to the accuser and later settled with her. What does this mean for the credibility of these claims? What impact could this have on Hegseth’s confirmation hearings?
7. Controversial Comments and Experience:
Interviewer: Hegseth has made several controversial statements in the past regarding removing “woke” generals and limiting transgender servicemembers. How will his extreme views affect his ability to lead the Pentagon? What does he bring to the table in terms of unique experience and perspective?
8. Criticism of Hegseth’s Selection:
Interviewer: Many have criticized Hegseth’s nomination due to his lack of experience
