Trump pick for apex court denies assault
WASHINGTON:US President Donald Trump’s pick for the Supreme Court, Brett Kavanaugh, has denied allegations of sexual assault, stating that he is willing to publicly testify before a Senate panel that will meet later this week to vote on his nomination.
The allegation dates back 36 years, when Kavanaugh was a high school student in Maryland state. According to the woman, a university professor, the then 17-year-old Kavanaugh and a friend, both “drunk”, forced themselves on her during a party.
“This is a completely false allegation. I have never done anything like what the accuser describes—to her or to anyone,” Kavanaugh said in a statement. “Because this never happened, I had no idea who was making this accusation until she identified herself yesterday.”
He added: “I am willing to talk to the Senate Judiciary Committee in any way the Committee deems appropriate to refute this false allegation, from 36 years ago, and defend my integrity.”
The professor’s lawyer, Debra Katz, told NBC News on Monday that her client was willing to testify about the assault. “She’s willing to do whatever it takes to get her story forth,” Katz said.
The White House continues to back the nominee. But Kellyanne Conway, a close adviser to Trump, said on Fox News, “I spoke to the president, senator (Lindsey) Graham and (others) and this woman will be heard.”
Others too have weighed in. All 10 Democratic members of the Senate Judiciary Committee urged a delay in the vote so the FBI can probe the allegation.
And senator Susan Collins, a Republican known to have broken ranks with the party, tweeted and the professor and Kavanaugh “should both testify under oath” before the committee.
The professor said she had not reported the assault when it had occurred, but spoke of it during therapy sessions she underwent in later years as she struggled with its long-term effects.
She decided to tell her story, confidentially, after Kavanaugh’s name began appearing among judges shortlisted for the Trump’s consideration.