Eric Swalwell speaks out after bombshell new rape claim

Eric Swalwell has released an updated statement after a fresh rape claim was leveled against him on Tuesday morning.

The under fire congressman “categorically and unequivocally” denied all the allegations against him from multiple women in a blistering rebuttal.

He claimed they were part of a “coordinated rollout” of “heinous allegations” and argued none of it was “about justice or the truth.”

His comments came just hours after a bombshell press conference where a new victim detailed a claim of rape against him during a night out in West Hollywood in 2018.

In a statement released by his TV star attorney Sara Azari, Swalwell said: “Congressman Eric Swalwell categorically and unequivocally denies each and every allegation of sexual misconduct and assault that has been leveled against him.

“These accusations are false, fabricated, and deeply offensive — a calculated and transparent political hit job designed to destroy the reputation of a man who has spent twenty years in public service.

“The timing, nature, and coordinated rollout of these vile and heinous allegations speak for themselves. This is neither about justice, nor the truth.

“This is a ruthless and shameless attempt to smear Congressman Swalwell. Congressman Swalwell has devoted his career to defending the Constitution, protecting civil liberties, and standing up to those who
abuse power.

“He has never wavered in that fight — and he will not waver now. We will fight these despicable and baseless accusations with the same tenacity, courage, and conviction that has defined the Congressman’s public service.

“We are confident that the truth will prevail, and we will pursue every available legal remedy against those responsible for orchestrating this reprehensible campaign of lies.”

Swalwell is being represented by Azari, who often features on CNN, NBC and ABC and specialized in white collar crime.

Here’s the latest on the allegations against Rep. Eric Swalwell

When asked if Swalwell — who has vanished since the claims came out — would speak to the California Post directly to address the claims, she curtly replied: “No.”

Swalwell has been accused by multiple women of sexual assault, including two who now claim he raped them.

At an explosive press conference on Tuesday morning, former model Lonna Drewes outlined allegations he raped her at a hotel in West Hollywood in 2018.

The 50-year-old said she thought she was friends with the congressman but claimed he spiked her drink before choking and sexually assaulting her.

She sobbed as she claimed he was masquerading as helping her fashion software company take off, but ended up destroying her life and left her “crying all the time.”

Sitting alongside how-powered attorney Lisa Bloom, Drewes said at a press conference in Beverly Hills: “In 2018, while I was living and working as a model in Beverly Hills, and I also owned a fashion software company, I had contact with Eric Swalwell on three separate occasions.

“After meeting, he offered me connections to further my software company, and I also had an interest in local politics.

“He invited me to two public events. I knew he was married at the time and that his wife was pregnant. He was my friend. On the third occasion, I believe he drugged my drink. I only had one glass of wine.

“We were supposed to go to a political event, and he said he needed to get paperwork from his hotel room.

“When I arrived at his hotel room, I was already incapacitated, and I couldn’t move my arms over my body. He raped me, and he choked me. And while he was choking me, I lost consciousness. I thought I died.

“I did not consent to any sexual activity, although I did not undergo a rape kit at the time, I disclosed the assault to the people closest to me.

“I also recorded these events in my handwritten calendar. The assault and its impact were later documented during my therapy sessions at a sexual assault center in Connecticut.

“It had a profound impact on my mental health. I self-medicated in an unhealthy way. I did not want to live anymore.

“I cried all the time for years. At the time, I was in a dating relationship with a boyfriend I was fully committed to.

“I’ve never cheated in my life, and I would never have engaged in a consensual sexual encounter. That reality further underscores the non-consensual nature of what occurred.

“It was a politically unusual, intense time in Beverly Hills, and I was considering a run for city council, which placed me in proximity to political figures and events, and added to the pressure to remain composed and silent.

“Eric was aware I owned a software company, and he spoke repeatedly about his ability to make introductions, referencing his political representation and influence there.

“I was not interested in him romantically, but I was interested in the business relationship and professional connections he offered to provide.

“My delay in taking action against Eric was driven by fear, not doubt, fear of his political power, his background as an attorney, and his family law enforcement ties.

“I have never doubted what happened. I stand with the other women who have come forward, and I will be making a report to Law Enforcement shortly with my attorneys.”