The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has launched an investigation into a prominent California Democrat following serious allegations of sexual assault. The accusations, put forth by a former staff member, have cast a shadow over Representative Eric Swalwell.

According to a report by CNN, the former staffer has accused Swalwell of engaging in sexual activity with her when she was incapacitated and unable to give consent. The DA’s office has taken these claims seriously and confirmed they are scrutinizing the incident, which reportedly occurred in 2024.

The allegations detail a troubling scenario: the accuser claims she awoke in Swalwell’s hotel room in New York City to find him having sex with her, after an evening of heavy drinking. This incident has prompted the DA’s office to reach out to the public for any additional information or testimonies.

“We encourage survivors and those with knowledge of these allegations to reach out to our Special Victims Division at 212-335-9373,” the DA’s office stated in a message conveyed through CNN. They emphasized their commitment to handling cases with a trauma-informed, survivor-centered approach, supported by their team of specially trained prosecutors, investigators, and counselors.

‘Our specially trained prosecutors, investigators and counselors are well-equipped to help you in a trauma-informed, survivor-centered manner,’ it added.

The woman told the outlet that in April 2024, after a night of heavy drinking in New York City, she woke up to Swalwell having sex with her in his hotel bed. 

‘I was pushing him off of me, saying no,’ she said, adding that it happened after she stopped working in his office. ‘He didn’t stop.’

Florida Representative Anna Paulina Luna turned up the heat on Swalwell, announcing she will floor a privileged motion next week to formally kick him out of Congress. 

The move requires a two-thirds majority to succeed.

The legislative threat comes just after a visibly shaken Swalwell posted a groveling video to social media, addressed directly to his wife, Brittany. 

Swalwell issued an apology to his wife as part of a video response to sexual assault and misconduct claims against him as his campaign hangs in the balance.  

He posted the video to social media as more women came out to make accusations of misconduct and more Democrats demanded he step aside. 

‘A lot has been said about me today through anonymous allegations and I thought it was important that you see and hear from me directly,’ Swalwell said. 

‘These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They are absolutely false. They did not happen. They have never happened, and I will fight them with everything that I have.’

Eric Swalwell issued a video where he continued to deny sexual assault claims against him as his campaign for governor of California hangs in the balance

Swalwell addressed wife Brittany Watts in the video, saying that he apologizes to her ‘deeply for putting her in this position.’

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass became the latest prominent Democrat to condemn Swalwell Friday, after House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Governor Gavin Newsom and longtime Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi

He also suggested conspiracy when he pointed out that they were released ‘on the eve of’ the June 2 primary in which he claimed to be ‘the frontrunner,’ though Real Clear Politics’ average shows him trailing Republican Steve Hilton in the jungle primary.

‘I do not suggest to you in any way that I am perfect or that I’m a saint, I have certainly made mistakes in judgment in my past, but those mistakes are between me and my wife,’ he continued.

Swalwell then addressed wife Brittany Watts, saying that he apologizes to her ‘deeply for putting her in this position.’

The Congressman also apologized to his supporters if any of the allegations had made them doubt their support for him. 

He did not make any clarification about whether he would stay in the race but restated his case as someone who could not engage in this sort of behavior. 

‘For over 20 years, I have served the public as a city councilman, as a member of Congress, and as a prosecutor who went to court on behalf of victims, particularly on behalf of sexual assault victims. That’s who I am and have always been.’

Swalwell finished by saying he would spend this weekend ‘having time with my family and friends’ before expressing thanks to those who had offered support.

‘I look forward to updating you very soon.’

Pelosi and Swalwell stand side-by-side during a press conference in 2018

At least four women have now accused the Congressman of sexual misconduct, following a former staffer’s claim that he sexually assaulted her twice 

Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar issued a statement alongside Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (pictured) calling for an investigation into the allegations 

Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar called the allegations ‘incredibly disturbing’ in a statement

At least four women have now accused the Congressman of sexual misconduct, including a former staffer’s claim that he sexually assaulted her twice, The New York Post reported.

They included one woman who said that he kissed her and touched her leg without consent and an influencer who claimed he’d sent her lewd photos on social media. 

Another woman told CNN that she and Swalwell were at a bar when she went to go to the bathroom and has lost her memory of what happened afterwards. 

She said she woke up naked the next morning in his hotel room without even realizing it was his.

The anonymous woman said that she has flashes of Swalwell grabbing her and also telling him ‘no.’ 

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass became the latest prominent Democrat to condemn Swalwell Friday, after House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Governor Gavin Newsom and longtime Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi.

‘Mr. Swalwell should end his campaign and resign from Congress immediately. His conduct is incompatible with elected office. The women who came forward deserve to be heard and deserve justice,’ she wrote. 

Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar issued a statement alongside Jeffries calling for an investigation into the allegations. 

Gavin Newsom was one of the prominent Democrats who urged Swalwell to step aside

 According to a spokesperson for Pelosi, she called for the ‘extremely sensitive allegations’ to be ‘appropriately investigated.’

‘The young woman who has made serious allegations against Congressman Swalwell must be respected and heard,’ she said.

‘This extremely sensitive matter must be appropriately investigated with full transparency and accountability. As I discussed with Congressman Swalwell, it is clear that is best done outside of a gubernatorial campaign.’

Politico reported that at least four staffers on Swalwell’s gubernatorial campaign have abruptly departed. 

Rumors have swirled online for days that something discrediting about Swalwell was about to be exposed. 

It comes as Swalwell appeared to be pushing through a crowded field of Democrats ahead of California’s nonpartisan June 2 primary.

Swalwell suggested the allegations were timed to tank his rising campaign.

‘These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the frontrunner for governor,’ he said in a statement. ‘For nearly 20 years, I have served the public – as a prosecutor and a congressman and have always protected women.’

‘I will defend myself with the facts and, where necessary, bring legal action,’ he continued. ‘My focus in the coming days is to be with my wife and children and defend our decades of service against these lies.’ 

The Democratic congressman has been married to Watts since 2016 and the couple has three children.