California governor candidate Rep. Eric Swalwell has sent a threatening letter to individuals accusing him of “nonconsensual sexual encounters” — warning that he could sue for defamation over rampant online rumors about alleged inappropriate behavior with women, according to a document posted online.
“The “It has come to our attention that you made false statements accusing Mr. Swalwell of sexual assault and nonconsensual sexual encounters,” read the letter from attorney Elias Dabaie, which was posted on X by Democratic activist Cheyenne Hunt and confirmed by the LA Times.
“Mr. Swalwell takes these allegations seriously, both because they are false and because they are being injected into the gubernatorial race only 24 days before voters go to the polls,” read the letter, which Hunt said was sent to at least two individuals.
The letter raised the possibility of a defamation lawsuit, writing that the recipients, who have not been identified, are “subject to liability for defamation.”
The letter follows a tide of rumors circulated by Hunt and other Democratic activists that Swalwell sexually harassed female staffers — even allegedly forcing them to sign NDAs to muzzle them from speaking about their experiences.
Hunt posted a series of TikTok videos warning that an investigative report about the East Bay rep’s alleged misconduct was about to drop.
Swalwell forcefully denied the allegations earlier this week, slamming the chatter as a “false, outrageous rumor” and denying he asked women to sign NDAs.
“There has never been an allegation and there has never been a settlement,” said Swalwell at a Tuesday town hall event in Sacramento.
Asked if he’d ever had a sexual relationship with a staffer or intern, Swalwell told reporters: “No, no, no, no”
The allegation against Swalwell, a leading Dem in the governor’s race who’s racked up endorsements from powerful unions and fellow lawmakers, sparked infighting among Democrats.
His rivals, including former Rep. Katie Porter and former Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, were quick to attack Swalwell after the rumors surfaced.
“With regard to Congressman Swalwell, I have seen allegations coming from women staffers. They are very, very troubling allegations,” Porter told CNN this week.
Other Dems dismissed the rumors as part of a plot to take down a leading governor candidate, suggesting that Hunt was working on behalf of a rival campaign.
Recent polls, conducted before the investigation published, show Swalwell, Steyer and Porter leading among Dem candidates.
Republican former Fox News host Steve Hilton, who nabbed President Donald Trump’s endorsement, has led most recent surveys overall, racking up close to 20% support among California voters.
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