Hegseth Admits $50,000 Payment to Woman Who Accused Him of 2017 Sexual Assault
Hegseth Confirms $50,000 Settlement to Woman Who Accused Him of 2017 Sexual Assault
WASHINGTON (AP) — Pete Hegseth, the defense secretary nominee under President Donald Trump, confirmed that he paid $50,000 to a woman who accused him of sexual assault in 2017. This disclosure came in response to questions from Massachusetts Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren during his confirmation process, which The Associated Press has obtained.
In his written answers, Hegseth’s attorney, Timothy Parlatore, chose not to comment on the payment amount, which was previously unreported. Parlatore had, however, acknowledged the settlement in November, and Hegseth had previously told senators that he was “falsely accused” and that he was fully cleared of the allegations.
The revelation of the payment came as the Senate moved forward with Hegseth's nomination along party lines, with a final vote anticipated Friday. However, the nomination has drawn criticism, particularly from Democrats and two Republicans, who have raised concerns regarding Hegseth’s past, including allegations of excessive drinking and abuse from his second wife, all of which he denies.
Two days after Hegseth's confirmation hearing, the Trump transition team provided additional information to Senate Armed Services Committee leaders regarding statements given to the FBI by his second wife, Samantha Hegseth. These included claims that Pete Hegseth has an ongoing alcohol abuse problem. A person familiar with the briefing confirmed these details to The Associated Press.
Senator Jack Reed, of Rhode Island, criticized the handling of Hegseth’s FBI background check, labeling it as substandard. Reed stated Thursday that he and Senator Roger Wicker, of Mississippi, had received multiple FBI briefings regarding the nominee — a level of attention he hadn't seen in his 25 years on the committee. Reed confirmed the accuracy of recent reports about the briefing contents.
In response, Hegseth’s attorney dismissed Reed’s claims, alleging that Reed was “knowingly lying.” Parlatore added that Samantha Hegseth’s statement to the FBI acknowledged that Pete Hegseth had a drinking problem, though she also noted that she had not been involved with him for seven years.
Additionally, senators received an affidavit from a former sister-in-law of Hegseth’s, accusing him of being repeatedly drunk and abusive toward Samantha Hegseth. She reportedly feared for her safety, but both Pete and Samantha Hegseth denied these accusations. Parlatore labeled the affidavit as a partisan attempt to disrupt Hegseth’s confirmation process.
The $50,000 settlement stems from a 2017 sexual assault allegation made by a woman who reported the incident to police. She accused Hegseth of assaulting her in a California hotel room, claiming he took her phone, blocked the door, and refused to let her leave. Hegseth denied any wrongdoing, stating the encounter was consensual.
The police investigation did not determine that the allegations were false, and the case was forwarded to the Monterey County District Attorney's Office for review. In January 2018, the district attorney’s office decided not to pursue charges, citing insufficient evidence.
Parlatore explained that the payment was part of a confidential settlement made years after the police investigation, driven by concerns that the woman might file a lawsuit, which could have jeopardized Hegseth’s career at Fox News, where he was a well-known host at the time.