VILLARAIGOSA’S STATEMENT ON SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATIONS AGAINST ERIC SWALWELL

“All victims deserve compassion and deep respect for the courage to come forward, speak their truth, and hold their abusers accountable.

Today's reporting on the horrific allegations that Eric Swalwell abused his position and repeatedly sexually assaulted a staffer is shocking and reprehensible.

Further, Eric Swalwell’s attempt to silence victims to save his campaign for Governor – a campaign he was unfit to enter given these allegations – is a shameful disgrace to our democracy.

Now that victims are finally being heard, it has become abundantly clear that Eric Swalwell must withdraw from the governor’s race and immediately resign from Congress. I’m calling on him to live by the words that he has repeatedly professed, and encourage all victims to come forward to speak freely without fear of threats or legal retribution from Mr. Swalwell so that he can face accountability for his alleged actions.

In California, we believe women and no one is above the law.”

-Antonio Villaraigosa

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