The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office announced that an investigation has been launched into a California Democrat following a wave of sexual assault allegations reported by a former staffer.
On Friday, CNN reported that a former staffer of Representative Eric Swalwell accused him of having sex with her when she was unable to give consent.
The DA’s office has since revealed that it is probing allegations stemming from the accuser’s claim that she awoke to him having sex with her in 2024 after a night of drinking.
‘We urge survivors and anyone with knowledge of these allegations to contact our Special Victims Division at 212-335-9373,’ the office said in a statement to CNN.
‘Our specially trained prosecutors, investigators and counselors are well-equipped to help you in a trauma-informed, survivor-centered manner,’ it added.
The woman told the outlet that in April 2024, after a night of heavy drinking in New York City, she woke up to Swalwell having sex with her in his hotel bed.
‘I was pushing him off of me, saying no,’ she said, adding that it happened after she stopped working in his office. ‘He didn’t stop.’
At least four women have now accused the Congressman of sexual misconduct, including a former staffer’s claim that he sexually assaulted her twice, The New York Post reported.
Eric Swalwell issued a video where he continued to deny sexual assault claims against him as his campaign for governor of California hangs in the balance
Swalwell addressed wife Brittany Watts in the video, saying that he apologizes to her ‘deeply for putting her in this position.’
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass became the latest prominent Democrat to condemn Swalwell Friday, after House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Governor Gavin Newsom and longtime Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi
The new development follows Florida Representative Anna Paulina Luna’s announcement that she will introduce a privileged motion next week to expel Swalwell from Congress – a move that would require a two-thirds majority to pass.
Swalwell has denied the allegations of sexual assault and misconduct as his campaign hangs in jeopardy, including in a video posted to social media in which he appeared visibly shaken and addressed his wife, Brittany Watts.
‘A lot has been said about me today through anonymous allegations and I thought it was important that you see and hear from me directly,’ Swalwell said.
‘These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They are absolutely false. They did not happen. They have never happened, and I will fight them with everything that I have.’
He then apologized ‘deeply for putting her in this position.’
He also suggested conspiracy when he pointed out that they were released ‘on the eve of’ the June 2 primary in which he claimed to be ‘the frontrunner,’ though Real Clear Politics’ average shows him trailing Republican Steve Hilton in the jungle primary.
‘I do not suggest to you in any way that I am perfect or that I’m a saint, I have certainly made mistakes in judgment in my past, but those mistakes are between me and my wife,’ he continued.
The Congressman apologized to his supporters if any of the allegations had made them doubt their support for him.
Pelosi and Swalwell stand side-by-side during a press conference in 2018
At least four women have now accused the Congressman of sexual misconduct, following a former staffer’s claim that he sexually assaulted her twice
Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar issued a statement alongside Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (pictured) calling for an investigation into the allegations
Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar called the allegations ‘incredibly disturbing’ in a statement
He did not make any clarification about whether he would stay in the race but restated his case as someone who could not engage in this sort of behavior.
‘For over 20 years, I have served the public as a city councilman, as a member of Congress, and as a prosecutor who went to court on behalf of victims, particularly on behalf of sexual assault victims. That’s who I am and have always been.’
Swalwell finished by saying he would spend this weekend ‘having time with my family and friends’ before expressing thanks to those who had offered support.
‘I look forward to updating you very soon.’
As more women came forward with allegations of misconduct, additional Democrats joined calls for him to step aside.
One woman said that Swalwell kissed her and touched her leg without consent, while an influencer claimed that he sent her lewd photos on social media.
Another woman told CNN that she was at a bar with Swalwell, went to the bathroom and later lost her memory of what happened afterward.
She said she woke up naked the next morning in his hotel room without realizing it was his, and said she still has flashbacks of the representative grabbing her as she told him ‘no.’
Gavin Newsom was one of the prominent Democrats who urged Swalwell to step aside
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass was the latest prominent Democrat to condemn Swalwell on Friday, coming after House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Governor Gavin Newsom and longtime Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi.
‘Mr. Swalwell should end his campaign and resign from Congress immediately. His conduct is incompatible with elected office. The women who came forward deserve to be heard and deserve justice,’ she wrote.
Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar issued a statement alongside Jeffries calling for an investigation into the allegations.
According to a spokesperson for Pelosi, she called for the ‘extremely sensitive allegations’ to be ‘appropriately investigated.’
‘The young woman who has made serious allegations against Congressman Swalwell must be respected and heard,’ she said.
‘This extremely sensitive matter must be appropriately investigated with full transparency and accountability. As I discussed with Congressman Swalwell, it is clear that is best done outside of a gubernatorial campaign.’
Politico reported that at least four staffers on Swalwell’s gubernatorial campaign have abruptly departed.
Rumors have swirled online for days that something discrediting about Swalwell was about to be exposed.
It comes as Swalwell appeared to be pushing through a crowded field of Democrats ahead of California’s nonpartisan June 2 primary. He suggested the allegations were timed to tank his rising campaign.
‘These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the frontrunner for governor,’ he said in a statement.
‘I will defend myself with the facts and, where necessary, bring legal action,’ he continued. ‘My focus in the coming days is to be with my wife and children and defend our decades of service against these lies.’
The Democratic congressman has been married to Watts since 2016 and the couple has three children.
