Pete Hegseth, US President-elect Donald Trump‘s choice for defense secretary, paid a woman who accused him of sexual assault as part of a settlement agreement, his lawyer said on Saturday. However, Hegseth has said that the sexual encounter was ‘consensual,’ according to his lawyer.
The Fox News commentator and war veteran is facing allegations of sexually assaulting a woman in 2017.
Hegseth, through his lawyer, Timothy Parlatore, has denied the allegations. Parlatore asserted that the encounter was consensual and claimed Hegseth is a victim of extortion, according to a New York Times report.
“Mr Hegseth is completely innocent,” Parlatore said. “Not only did she take advantage of him, but we believe she then extorted him, knowing that at the height of the #MeToo movement, the mere public allegation would likely result in his immediate termination from Fox News,” the lawyer added.
The Monterey Police Department in California confirmed an investigation into a sexual assault allegation against Hegseth. The incident reportedly occurred at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa, where Hegseth was speaking at a conference.
The alleged victim, associated with the California Federation of Republican Women, filed a complaint four days after the encounter. According to a police statement, bruises were observed on her thigh. However, no charges were filed, and the police report remains undisclosed.
The Trump transition team was recently informed of the settlement Hegseth paid to the woman, according to the New York Times. The settlement includes a confidentiality clause.
Despite the controversy, Trump has continued to support Hegseth. The Fox News host was previously considered for the role of secretary of veteran affairs during Trump’s first term.