Washington, D.C. – Pete Hegseth, the former Fox News host and nominee for U.S. Secretary of Defense by President-elect Donald Trump, has reportedly threatened to sue for extortion a woman who previously accused him of sexual assault, particularly if his confirmation process is thwarted. Tim Parlatore, attorney for Hegseth, hinted that although the accuser may not face criminal charges, a civil case citing extortion remains a possibility.
This legal development stems from allegations dating back to 2017 when a woman claimed Hegseth assaulted her in Monterey, California, during a Republican women’s event. While the local authorities did not pursue charges, Hegseth maintained that the interaction was consensual and subsequently reached a settlement that included a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) with the accuser.
According to Parlatore, there is an existing NDA which his client believes has been violated by the accuser, particularly if such a breach impacts Hegseth’s future career, including his current nomination. Should these allegations jeopardize his confirmation, Parlatore affirmed that pursuing a lawsuit for civil extortion remains on the table.
The controversy comes amid Hegseth’s already contentious nomination, which has been clouded by his personal conduct while in previous leadership roles and as a television host. After leaving his position at “Fox & Friends Weekend,” Hegseth faced multiple accusations, including excessive drinking and mistreatment of women. This is highlighted by a 2018 incident where Hegseth’s own mother accused him of misbehavior towards women in an email, though she later publicly supported him on a broadcast on Fox News.
Despite these accusations, Trump has consistently supported Hegseth, citing his confidence in Hegseth’s potential as a fantastic leader for the Pentagon. Over the past week, Hegseth has actively sought to consolidate support among Republican senators on Capitol Hill, aiming to secure his confirmation.
Throughout the saga, Hegseth has remained resolute in his commitment to continue pursuing the position of Defense Secretary, indicating the high stakes involved for both his personal and professional life.
This case highlights not only the complex interplay of personal allegations and professional nominations in political spheres but also raises questions about the influence and boundaries of nondisclosure agreements in legal and ethical disputes.
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