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“I really don’t remember it at all,” she said she told him about the incident.
The former staffer said she did not report either alleged encounter at the time. Instead, she kept the experiences private for years.
“I just felt so dirty and gross, and it just became a secret that I lived with,” she said.
In addition to her claims, three other women have come forward with separate accusations involving Swalwell. Those claims include allegations of unsolicited explicit messages and nude images allegedly sent by the congressman. Two of the women said the interactions took place on Snapchat, a platform where messages disappear after being viewed.
One woman described meeting Swalwell after connecting with him online over political discussions. She said a night out later led to her becoming heavily intoxicated and waking up in his hotel room with little memory of how she arrived there.
“He was sitting against me, and every time that I would move away from him, he would get closer,” she said. She added that as the night continued, she felt “really fuzzy”.
Another accuser, social media creator Ally Sammarco, said Swalwell initially engaged her in political conversation before the exchanges turned more personal and eventually inappropriate, including explicit content sent during late-night messages.
Several of the women described what they believe was a consistent pattern: Swalwell allegedly showing interest in younger women online before conversations escalated into sexual territory. Some also suggested they were influenced by his political position and public status.
CNN reported it reviewed a range of materials connected to the allegations, including messages and photos. The outlet also spoke with friends and family members of some accusers, who said they were told about the incidents around the time they allegedly occurred.
In one instance, the former staffer shared text messages she sent to friends shortly after the alleged 2024 incident. In those messages, she wrote that she had been sexually assaulted and directly identified Swalwell.
Swalwell has denied all allegations in statements provided to CNN and in a video posted to X. “These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They are absolutely false,” Swalwell said. “They did not happen. They have never happened. And I will fight them with everything that I have.”
He also claimed the accusations emerged “on the eve of an election” and insisted he would clear his name through evidence and legal means. Swalwell further stated that he has always respected women and emphasized his commitment to his family.
His legal team has also taken action, sending cease-and-desist letters to two of the women involved. The letters demanded that the accusations be withdrawn and warned of possible legal consequences if they continued speaking publicly.
Meanwhile, some former staffers interviewed by CNN defended Swalwell, saying they never experienced or witnessed any inappropriate behavior and describing him as professional in the workplace.
The former staffer who made the initial allegation said she ultimately chose to speak out after hearing similar accounts from others and realizing she was not alone.
“I’ve lived in fear every single day,” she said.
She added that her motivation was not political but personal, centered on telling her story. “The only person who could ruin Eric Swalwell is Eric Swalwell,” she said.
