The husband of one of the women who accused Rep. Eric Swalwell of sexual harassment and abuse has responded to the congressman’s video denying the allegations.
“My wife’s name is Ally Sammarco. He obviously knows that, but his name is unknown,” Adam Parkhomenkoa Democratic strategist and former DNC National Field Director, wrote on X on Friday, April 10, in response to Swalwell’s denial.
“And you also recorded with CNN so that I hope this does not happen to other women and maybe it can help other women to come forward,” continued Parkhomenko. “He also gave CNN all the messages you sent him. I’ve been very supportive of you over the years but I learned a lot today. And you fully support me.”
On Saturday, April 11, Parkhomenko released another statement on X in support of his wife.
“I would like to emphasize that if Eric Swalwell and his attorney believe that any of the statements my wife and I have made are untrue, he should immediately file a lawsuit against us,” he wrote. DM me, and I’ll let you know where to serve us. But this will not happen.”
Us Weekly has contacted Swalwell’s communications director for comment on Parkhomenko’s statements.
Eric Swalwell
Getty ImagesSammarco accused Swalwell, 45, of asking to “share her resume” with congressional offices before allegedly sending “inappropriate” Snapchat messages “saying we should meet and communicate” in a CNN investigation published Friday. She is one of four women who have accused the congressman of sexual harassment and abuse, including a former employee who claims the congressman raped her. Some women asked not to be named because they fear retaliation.
Swalwell, who is currently leading the race for governor of California, bitterly denied all the accusations against him, and released a video saying that he will “fight” against these accusations. Us contacted the congressman for comment.
“A lot has been said about me today with unknown allegations. I thought it was important for you to see and hear directly from me,” Swalwell said in a video posted on social media on Friday. “These allegations of sexual abuse are blatant lies, they are false, they never happened, they never happened, and I will fight them with everything I have.
He continued, “And they came the night before the election, when I was the frontrunner for governor of California. I’m not suggesting in any way that I’m perfect or a saint — I’ve made mistakes in judgment in the past, but those mistakes are between me and my wife. And to her, I’m very sorry for putting her through this.” (Swalwell shares three children, Nelson, Cricket and Hank, with his wife, Brittany Watts.)
Swalwell went on to apologize to anyone who may have “questioned” his support for the congressman during his bid for governor of California because of the allegations.
“I think you know who I am,” he added. “For more than 20 years, I have served the community as a city councilman, as a member of congress and as a prosecutor who went to court on behalf of victims – especially on behalf of victims of sexual assault. That is who I am and always have been.”
He concluded, “This weekend I will be spending time with my family and friends and I appreciate those who have reached out to me to show their support. And I look forward to welcoming you back soon.”
Many prominent members of the Democratic Party have responded to the allegations against Swalwell, demanding an investigation and the politician’s removal from the leadership race.
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“In the wake of the incredibly disturbing sexual assault allegations against Congressman Eric Swalwell, we are calling for an immediate investigation into these incidents and for the Congressman to immediately end his campaign to become the next governor of California,” said the House Minority Leader. Hakeem Jeffries said in a joint statement alongside the Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Chairman of the Democratic Caucus Pete Aguilar.
“This is unacceptable to anyone – certainly not an elected official – and must be taken seriously,” the statement continued. “We commend the brave women for telling us about their experiences. In these cases and in all cases, we must ensure that those who come forward with allegations of sexual harassment are listened to and respected. All perpetrators of sexual harassment must be held accountable.”
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
