Fox News host Pete Hegseth, who was President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for defense secretary, has reportedly paid a confidential financial settlement to a woman who accused him of sexual assault. The purpose of this settlement was to prevent his firing from Fox News due to the allegation. Hegseth’s lawyer, Timothy Palatore, stated that the settlement agreement was reached to dissuade the accuser from pursuing a lawsuit, asserting Hegseth’s innocence and claiming that the sexual encounter was consensual. Hegseth vehemently denies any wrongdoing.
Palatore explained that the accuser and her attorney were aware that simply filing a lawsuit would have detrimental consequences for Hegseth, potentially leading to his termination from Fox News. The details of when Fox News became aware of the settlement agreement remain undisclosed.
The transition team for Trump had conversations with Palatore following Hegseth’s nomination as defense secretary. Palatore clarified that he fully explained the situation to the transition team, although he was unsure if Hegseth had informed them about the sexual assault allegation and settlement prior to his nomination announcement. He emphasized that these revelations should not impact the confirmation process for Hegseth.
Despite the controversy surrounding Hegseth, Trump has indicated that he stands by his selection for defense secretary. Trump’s communications director, Steven Cheung, stated that Hegseth has vehemently denied the accusations, and no charges were filed in relation to the alleged incident.
The alleged sexual assault reportedly took place in October 2017 at a hotel, with the accuser filing a complaint shortly after. The investigation by the Monterey Police Department found contusions on the woman’s thigh but did not result in any charges against Hegseth. The Washington Post reported on a memo sent to the Trump transition team by a friend of the accuser, alleging that Hegseth raped a conservative group staffer after a night of drinking.
Palatore claimed that there is eyewitness testimony and surveillance footage showing the accuser as the aggressor in a consensual encounter with Hegseth. He stated that the woman led Hegseth to his room while he was intoxicated, and she was sober. CNN reported that the alleged victim declined an interview and stopped responding to inquiries.
The settlement payment to the woman was made a couple of years prior to Trump’s nomination, according to Palatore. He did not disclose the amount but characterized it as significantly less than what the accuser demanded, labeling it as extortion and blackmail. The accuser allegedly made false claims against Hegseth, prompting him to send a cease-and-desist letter in 2020.
Hegseth’s nomination for defense secretary has been met with skepticism and scrutiny, with concerns raised about his tattoos and potential extremist ties. The news of his settlement agreement with a confidentiality clause has drawn comparisons to Trump’s own legal issues, particularly related to a nondisclosure agreement with Stormy Daniels.
Trump’s past legal troubles, including being found guilty on counts related to a cover-up of payments to Daniels, have raised questions about presidential immunity and potential criminal prosecution. Despite these challenges, Trump has continued to defend Hegseth and his selection as defense secretary.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Pete Hegseth’s settlement agreement and sexual assault allegation adds complexity to his nomination as defense secretary. The ongoing scrutiny and comparisons to Trump’s legal issues highlight the challenges and implications of such allegations in high-profile positions. It remains to be seen how these revelations will impact Hegseth’s confirmation process and his potential role in the Trump administration.
