(Source: AP) A woman has accused former Fox News host Pete Hegseth of sexual assault in a detailed police report made public Wednesday. The incident allegedly occurred in October 2017 after Hegseth spoke at a Republican women’s event in Monterey, California. The woman claims Hegseth took her phone, blocked the hotel room door, and assaulted her despite her objections.
Hegseth, who was nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to be defense secretary at the time, has denied the allegations, calling the encounter consensual. A police investigation, which recommended the case be sent to the district attorney’s office, did not result in charges. Hegseth’s attorney also confirmed the woman received a confidential settlement in 2023.
The woman, who had helped organize the event, reported feeling uncomfortable with Hegseth’s behavior throughout the night. She later described memory loss, nightmares, and emotional distress following the alleged assault.
