Controversial Sexual Assault Allegations Surround Pete Hegseth’s Cabinet Nomination

Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News anchor, faces renewed scrutiny following the revelation of a disputed 2017 sexual encounter, as detailed in a recently released police report. The incident, which took place at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa in California, involved alcohol consumption and conflicting narratives, potentially hampering Hegseth’s Cabinet nomination to lead the Defense Department.

The event was centered around the California Federation of Republican Women convention, where Hegseth was the keynote speaker. The alleged incident involved a staffer for the organization, referred to as «Jane Doe» in the police report, who reportedly expressed dislike for Hegseth during the event. Text messages to her husband described her discomfort, noting she had been drinking «much more than normal.»

Video surveillance captured Hegseth and the alleged victim leaving a hotel bar arm in arm, preceding a noisy encounter at the hotel pool that elicited complaints. Hotel staff reported Hegseth appeared «very intoxicated;» however, his own statement to police described him as «buzzed but not intoxicated,» a claim now contradicted by his attorney, Timothy Parlatore, who stated Hegseth was «visibly intoxicated.»

An argument allegedly ensued between the pair, centered on Hegseth’s behavior towards another woman at the bar. Subsequently, the alleged victim transported Hegseth to his room, though she claimed to police that she later struggled to leave, recalling that Hegseth blocked her exit and temporarily took her phone.

Laurie Levenson, a criminal law expert at Loyola Law School, highlighted the frequent complications of intoxication in sexual assault cases, noting that the lack of charges does not equate to exoneration. Despite an agreement for a civil settlement reached with the alleged victim, including a non-disclosure clause, questions about the incident persist.

Former sex crimes investigator Justin Boardman observed discrepancies in Hegseth’s account regarding his state of intoxication, suggesting attempts to present a favorable narrative to investigators.

Trump transition spokesperson Karoline Leavitt defended Hegseth, affirming that no charges had been filed due to insufficient evidence, as corroborated by the Monterey County District Attorney’s statement indicating the allegations could not be proved beyond a reasonable doubt.