Just when his confirmation as the next head of the Pentagon seemed certain, Pete Hegseth is in the hot seat again. Danielle Hegseth, his former sister-in-law, gave at least 15 senators, including several Republicans, a sworn affidavit accusing the former Fox News host of being so “violent” toward his second wife that she was hidden from him in a closet and that she had a password to call for help if she needed to get away from him.
Danielle Hegseth also discusses in her statement several episodes where Pete Hegseth drank excessively, both in public and in private, including one time when the former National Guard major was wearing his military uniform. Danielle Hegseth submitted her sworn statement at the request of Rhode Island Democratic Senator Jack Reed, her party’s leader on the Senate Armed Services Committee.
In its report on the case, Politico writes: “Danielle Hegseth also said that Mr. Hegseth had drunkenly yelled in her face at least once, that he regularly abused alcohol in front of his family that he said non-consensual sex was OK and made disparaging comments about Mexican Americans. Hegseth also said women should not have the right to vote or work, according to the affidavit. »
“As I have said for months, reports of Mr. Hegseth’s history of alleged sexual assault, alcohol abuse and public misconduct require a full investigation into his background. I was concerned that the background check process was inadequate, and this affidavit confirms that,” Senator Reed commented in a statement.
He added: “Mr. Hegseth’s alleged pattern of abuse and misconduct is disturbing. This behavior would disqualify any military member from holding a leadership position in the military, let alone being confirmed as Secretary of Defense. »
Pete Hegseth’s lawyer has denied allegations made by his client’s brother’s ex-wife. In an email to NBC News, Samantha Hegseth, Pete Hegseth’s second wife, refused to confirm her ex-sister-in-law’s allegations, which in some ways overlap with those of the Trump candidate’s former colleges.
“First of all, I have not and will not comment on my marriage to Pete Hegseth,” she wrote. “I do not have representatives speaking on my behalf and I have never asked anyone to share or speak about the details of my marriage on my behalf, whether it is a journalist, a member of the commission, a member of the transition team, etc. »
-And added: “I do not believe your information is accurate and I have sent a copy to my lawyer. »
During his hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Hegseth downplayed the allegations against him, repeating that they were anonymous smears.
(Photo AP)
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