Another woman has alleged that Eric Swalwell raped her, adding to a growing list of misconduct allegations against the former Democratic lawmaker. Speaking on Tuesday, Lonna Drewes said she had been reluctant to come forward with her allegations that Swalwell drugged and raped her in a hotel room in 2018 because of his 'political power'. Swalwell has resigned from Congress and withdrawn from California governor's race since accusations against him were reported on Friday. He denies 'each and every' sexual misconduct allegation against him.
These accusations are false, fabricated, and deeply offensive - a calculated and transparent political hit job, his attorney Sara Azari said. The timing, nature, and coordinated rollout of these vile and heinous allegations speak for themselves. This is neither about justice, nor the truth, Azari added.
At a news conference on Tuesday, Drewes' attorney, Lisa Bloom, dismissed Swalwell's earlier public response to other women's accusations - in which he apologized to his wife while denying the allegations - as 'blather and spin'. Drewes said she met Swalwell in 2018 while working as a model in Beverly Hills, California. She claimed Swalwell's wife was pregnant at the time, and she initially thought of the congressman as a friend.
During their third meeting, Drewes alleged Swalwell took her to his hotel room, where he choked and raped her. She stated, While he was choking me I lost consciousness and I thought I died. I did not consent to any sexual activity.
Drewes did not undergo a sexual assault exam at the time but confided in close friends about the incident. Bloom stated they plan to file a police report with the Los Angeles Police Department on the alleged assault. Drewes also mentioned that three other women had contacted her about allegations against Swalwell.
The accusation follows claims by four other women last week, who accused the congressman of misconduct ranging from sexual harassment to rape, prompting a congressional ethics inquiry. Two other women claimed Swalwell sent unwanted explicit photos and expressed gratitude for the consequences he is now facing. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office is also investigating Swalwell over allegations from an unnamed former staff member. The sexual misconduct allegations have sparked a MeToo moment on Capitol Hill, with lawmakers acknowledging the urgency for addressing such issues.
These accusations are false, fabricated, and deeply offensive - a calculated and transparent political hit job, his attorney Sara Azari said. The timing, nature, and coordinated rollout of these vile and heinous allegations speak for themselves. This is neither about justice, nor the truth, Azari added.
At a news conference on Tuesday, Drewes' attorney, Lisa Bloom, dismissed Swalwell's earlier public response to other women's accusations - in which he apologized to his wife while denying the allegations - as 'blather and spin'. Drewes said she met Swalwell in 2018 while working as a model in Beverly Hills, California. She claimed Swalwell's wife was pregnant at the time, and she initially thought of the congressman as a friend.
During their third meeting, Drewes alleged Swalwell took her to his hotel room, where he choked and raped her. She stated, While he was choking me I lost consciousness and I thought I died. I did not consent to any sexual activity.
Drewes did not undergo a sexual assault exam at the time but confided in close friends about the incident. Bloom stated they plan to file a police report with the Los Angeles Police Department on the alleged assault. Drewes also mentioned that three other women had contacted her about allegations against Swalwell.
The accusation follows claims by four other women last week, who accused the congressman of misconduct ranging from sexual harassment to rape, prompting a congressional ethics inquiry. Two other women claimed Swalwell sent unwanted explicit photos and expressed gratitude for the consequences he is now facing. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office is also investigating Swalwell over allegations from an unnamed former staff member. The sexual misconduct allegations have sparked a MeToo moment on Capitol Hill, with lawmakers acknowledging the urgency for addressing such issues.
