In an exclusive interview with Breitbart News, Tim Parlatore, the attorney for Trump’s Defense Secretary nominee, Pete Hegseth, defended his client against sexual assault allegations stemming from an incident in 2017. Parlatore emphasized that Hegseth is “completely and totally innocent” and claimed that the situation had been thoroughly investigated at the time. The allegations arose from an incident following Hegseth’s speech at a California Republican Women conference, where he reportedly consumed too much alcohol and was accompanied to his room by a woman who had been sober. Parlatore contended that the accuser was the “aggressor” and he firmly stated that the investigation’s outcome suggests the woman’s conduct was suspect, particularly noting that police considered pressing charges against her based on video evidence.
The incident occurred during a pivotal period characterized by heightened scrutiny of sexual misconduct in the wake of the Me Too movement. According to Parlatore, Hegseth did not hear from the accuser for several years until she began contemplating legal action following her termination from her job at the organization related to the event. This prompted the involvement of Parlatore, who sent a cease-and-desist letter to the accuser in 2020, warning her against pursuing defamation claims. He noted that while nothing came of that effort initially, the situation escalated after the accuser hired legal representation and indicated a desire to proceed with a lawsuit.
With Fox News concerned about possible ramifications for Hegseth, Parlatore reported that the network opted for preemptive mediation to address the potentially damaging allegations. A settlement was reached that contained confidentiality clauses, which the accuser purportedly violated when she publicly discussed the accusations this week. Parlatore asserted that this breach could lead to significant consequences, including nullifying the settlement and exposing the accuser to a defamation lawsuit, along with a potential charge of extortion, given California’s applicable laws.
Despite the looming allegations, the incoming Trump administration maintains its endorsement of Hegseth, with White House communications director Steven Cheung affirming that the President intends to nominate individuals of exceptional qualifications. Cheung reiterated that Hegseth has denied all accusations, and since no legal charges were filed against him, the administration is enthusiastic about his impending confirmation as Secretary of Defense. The statement exemplifies the administration’s confidence in Hegseth’s capabilities and their commitment to moving forward with his nomination amid controversies.
Parlatore speculated that the allegations may have been leaked by someone within the Trump transition team, suggesting a possible effort to undermine Hegseth’s nomination. The nuances of the situation hint at politically charged motivations behind the resurfacing of these allegations, compounded with the precariousness of Hegseth’s position as a public figure and nominee in a highly scrutinized environment. Parlatore’s remarks illustrate a mix of strategic legal maneuvering and the unpredictable landscape of potential political sabotage.
The situation remains fluid, with Parlatore indicating that the next steps will depend on how the coming months unfold. He highlighted the need to monitor the accuser’s actions carefully, stating he would have several legal avenues available should she choose to go public with her claims. The prospect of litigation seems to linger as a constant threat, with Parlatore prepared to respond vigorously should any further allegations arise. As the confirmation process for Hegseth progresses, the dynamics of this case may very well play a critical role in shaping perceptions of both Hegseth’s character and the broader implications of such allegations in the political arena.
