Pete Hegseth, US President Donald Trump‘s defence secretary nominee, told senator Elizabeth Warren that he paid $50,000 to a woman who accused him of sexual assault in 2017.
Hegseth maintained his innocence
According to a statement from The Associated Press, the payment information emerged in written messages to Warren’s further questions during the vetting process. When contacted on Thursday, Hegseth’s legitimate agent, Timothy Parlatore, withheld opinion on the precise sum, though he had previously acknowledged the lawsuit in November. During his assurance reading, Hegseth maintained his innocence.
The Senate advanced Hegseth’s election on party outlines, with final verification expected Friday. The election faces criticism from Democrats and two Democrats over fears including claims of excessive alcohol consumption and marriage abuse, which Hegseth contests.
Hegseth’s ongoing alcohol issues
Following Hegseth’s Senate reading, Trump’s transition team advised Senate Armed Services Committee officials about an extra FBI statement from Samantha Hegseth, his next family. On January 16, they briefed lawmaker Roger Wicker and lawmaker Jack Reed about her promises regarding Hegseth’s continued alcohol problems.
Reed criticised the FBI history check quality, noting extraordinary many briefings in his 25-year council career. He confirmed current reviews about the meetings ‘ items as accurate.
Parlatore disputed Reed’s bill, saying that Samantha Hegseth only told the FBI about Hegseth’s having regularity while acknowledging no new contact for about seven years.
A previous sister-in-law’s oath on Tuesday alleged repeated drunkenness and mistreatment towards Samantha Hegseth, claiming she feared for her protection. Both Hegseth and his previous wife deny abuse complaints, with Parlatore dismissing the oath as politically motivated.
Allegations of sexual abuse
The$ 50,000 settlement followed allegations of sexual assault in a California hotel room in 2017, where the woman reported to police that Hegseth took her phone, blocked the door and prevented her departure.
Hegseth maintained the meeting was consensual and denied wrong. The authorities report doesn’t reveal false claims and was forwarded to the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office.
District attorney Jeannine M Pacioni declined trial in January 2018, citing inappropriate proof for conviction beyond a sensible doubt. Parlatore explained the settlement was reached decades after the police investigation, as Hegseth worried about potential prosecution affecting his place at Fox News, where he hosted programs.
