Allegations of Sexual Assault Against Fox News Host Pete Hegseth Resurface Amid Investigation
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (AP) — An investigative report has revealed allegations of sexual assault against Pete Hegseth, a prominent Fox News personality and former nominee for defense secretary under President-elect Donald Trump. The report, released following a public records request, details a woman’s claims that Hegseth assaulted her in 2017 after taking her phone and preventing her from leaving a hotel room in California.
The victim, whose identity remains confidential, reported the incident to police five days after it occurred, expressing concerns that her drink may have been tampered with. Despite Hegseth’s assertion that the encounter was consensual and his denial of any wrongdoing, the release of the 22-page police report has brought renewed attention to the case.
According to the report, police conducted interviews with the alleged victim, her partner, a nurse who treated her, and hotel staff, all corroborating elements of her account. The woman had attended a Republican women’s event where Hegseth was a speaker and later described feeling uncomfortable with his behavior throughout the evening.
Police noted that an investigation was triggered when a nurse alerted them after the victim sought a sexual assault examination. Although investigators recommended forwarding the case to the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office for review, no charges were filed.
Hegseth’s legal representatives assert that there was no basis for the claims, stating that the allegations were investigated thoroughly. They also confirmed a financial settlement was made to the victim to prevent a potential lawsuit. As the situation unfolds, Hegseth remains a key figure in political commentary and media. The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding sexual misconduct in public and political arenas.
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