Fox Host Pete Hegseth Settled Sexual Assault Allegation to Protect Career

An attorney for Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host and President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for defense secretary, has confirmed to NPR that Hegseth settled a sexual assault accusation by paying his accuser, aiming to stop a potential lawsuit that might harm his career. Hegseth, 44, steadfastly denies the woman’s allegations regarding the incident that occurred in 2017.

The Washington Post reported that Hegseth’s legal representative, Timothy Parlatore, acknowledged in a statement that the settlement involved an undisclosed payment and a signed nondisclosure agreement from the accuser. This arrangement reportedly sought to avert a lawsuit that could undermine his standing at Fox News, according to the Post’s reporting.

A friend of the woman disclosed information about the 2017 incident in a memo to the Trump transition team last week, as purported by the Post. NPR has not verified the content of that memo. Parlatore has confirmed the validity of the information NPR ascribed to him.

Trump Communications Director Steven Cheung, while endorsing Hegseth’s nomination, stated to NPR that, «President Trump is nominating high-caliber and extremely qualified candidates.» He further asserted that Hegseth has denied the allegations and no charges were pressed. Cheung expressed anticipation for Hegseth’s confirmation as Secretary of Defense, to «Make America Safe and Great Again.»

This incident traces back to a reported sexual assault at a golf resort in California, probed by the Monterey Police Department, where Hegseth was named. As per police, the alleged incident took place in the early hours of October 8, 2017, at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa. The woman, aged 30 at the time, worked for the California Federation of Republican Women and was present for a conference Hegseth attended.

The woman reported an injury and later contacted police, as outlined by Parlatore. She reportedly led a drunken Hegseth to his room after being informed he was bothering other women. Legal proceedings were avoided through a settlement, reached in light of the burgeoning MeToo movement, as per Parlatore’s account to the Post.

As he seeks confirmation, Hegseth’s past actions and qualifications are under scrutiny by both legislators and military experts. Prominent voices within the Democratic party and beyond have questioned his preparation to lead the Department of Defense, which comprises over 2.8 million employees including military service members and civilians.

An inquiry has also arisen surrounding a controversial tattoo on Hegseth’s arm. Sgt. DeRicko Gaither, who labeled the tattoo a potential «insider threat,» clarified his concern regarding a «Deus Vult» tattoo, a phrase linked to white nationalist groups. This arose shortly before President Joe Biden’s inauguration.