A former Congressional aide and Congressional Black caucus fellow, M. Reese Everson, has accused Congressman Bobby Scott (D-3rd district VA) of sexual harassment. From The Virginian-Pilot,
M. Reese Everson, speaking at a press conference in Arlington, claimed that when she rejected the congressman’s advances, she was fired and blackballed from finding other work as a congressional aide. She said she eventually fell into destitution.
Scott in a statement denied any wrongdoing and called the allegation “false.” He claimed Everson was working with a Republican known for peddling conspiracies.
“I absolutely deny this allegation of misconduct,” he said in the statement issued shortly after Everson’s press conference. “I have never sexually harassed anyone in my 25 years of service in the United States Congress, or in my 40 years of public service, or at any other time.”
Congressman Bobby Scott’s full statement,
Today, a former Congressional Black Caucus Foundation fellow, backed by a Republican operative known for dabbling in outlandish conspiracy theories, falsely alleged an act of sexual harassment against me. I absolutely deny this allegation of misconduct. I have never sexually harassed anyone in my 25 years of service in the United States Congress, or in my 40 years of public service, or at any other time. Sexual harassment and assault are serious issues deserving of critical attention and review. No one should be subjected to sexual harassment or be treated unfairly. I have fought to promote and ensure that in my political and professional life and I live by it personally. The recent national discussion about sexual harassment is valued and important to our work to continue to make the workplace free from harassment and discrimination. False allegations will squander this momentous opportunity for dialogue on meaningful change in the workplace. I am confident that this false allegation will be seen for what it is when the facts are adequately reviewed.”
More here.
