High-Profile Media Figure Fights To Disclose Key Legal Documents In Case

Person examining document with magnifying glass.

Fox News personality Pete Hegseth seeks to clear his name in a sexual assault allegation case by pushing for the release of legal documents.

At a Glance

Pete Hegseth faces sexual assault allegations from a 2017 incident at a California hotel
Hegseth denies the accusations, claiming the encounter was consensual
No charges were filed due to insufficient evidence, but a settlement was reached
Hegseth’s lawyer is demanding the release of files that may discredit the accuser
The case raises questions about transparency and accountability in legal proceedings

The Allegations and Investigation

In October 2017, a woman accused Pete Hegseth, a Fox News personality, of sexually assaulting her at a hotel in Monterey, California. The accuser filed a police report days after the alleged incident, claiming that Hegseth took her phone, blocked the door, and refused to let her leave the hotel room. She also reported memory loss and nightmares following the event, suspecting her drink may have been tampered with.

The Monterey County District Attorney’s Office investigated the case but ultimately declined to file charges due to insufficient evidence. According to Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni, “No charges were supported by proof beyond a reasonable doubt.” Despite this, the police report recommended forwarding the case to the District Attorney’s Office for review, listing the potential offense as “Rape: victim unconscious of the nature of the act.”

An attorney for Pete Hegseth, the longtime Fox News host and President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for defense secretary, confirmed to NPR that he had paid a woman who accused him of sexual assault so that she would not file a lawsuit: https://t.co/vhjVj2d4fe

— GBH News (@GBHNews) November 19, 2024

Hegseth’s Response and Legal Strategy

Hegseth has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that the encounter was consensual. In a statement, he asserted, “The matter was fully investigated, and I was completely cleared.” His legal team is now taking an aggressive stance, demanding the release of files that they believe may contain evidence to discredit the accuser.

“This police report confirms what I have said all along, that the incident was fully investigated and police found the allegations to be false, which is why no charges were filed,” said Hegseth’s attorney, Timothy Parlatore.

Hegseth’s attorney, Timothy Parlatore, claims that there is evidence showing the accuser as the aggressor, although he has declined to share this information publicly. Furthermore, Parlatore is pushing for the release of a file that may indicate the accuser previously made a similar false allegation against another man, suggesting a pattern of questionable behavior.

Settlement and Political Implications

Despite the lack of criminal charges, Hegseth reached an undisclosed settlement with the accuser in 2023 to prevent a potential lawsuit. This decision was reportedly made to protect Hegseth’s career, as explained by his attorney: “The reality is that, had they filed [a lawsuit], civil process takes quite a while, and so Fox News likely would have fired him based on the allegation.”

“President Trump is nominating high-caliber and extremely qualified candidates to serve in his Administration. Mr. Hegseth has vigorously denied any and all accusations, and no charges were filed,” said Trump’s communications director, Steven Cheung.

The case has gained renewed attention as Hegseth was being considered for a government position by former President Trump. The Trump transition team was informed about the allegation and settlement after Hegseth’s nomination, leading to scrutiny and controversy. This situation parallels some of Trump’s own legal issues, particularly regarding nondisclosure agreements.

Conclusion

As the case unfolds, it highlights the complexities of adjudicating sexual assault allegations and the importance of transparency in legal proceedings. Hegseth’s push for the release of potentially exculpatory documents underscores the delicate balance between protecting the accused’s rights and ensuring justice for potential victims. The outcome of this case may have significant implications for Hegseth’s career and public image, as well as broader discussions about how such allegations are handled in the public sphere.