Another member of the Congressional Black Caucus has been accused of sexual harassment, Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA).
According to WTKR, Congressman Scott now stands accused of forcing himself on a female staffer and then firing her when she rejected his advances.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday afternoon, former legislative aide M. Reese Everson alleged that in 2013, Scott “touched her leg and body without permission and offered to advance her in her career if she would allow him to have his way.”
Everson says she did not let the congressman have his way, and her employment was terminated as a result.
“I was retaliated against. I was wrongfully terminated and I was blackballed, or black listed, whatever the appropriate term is. I was prevented from moving forward in my career because I attempted to run from a situation that was sexually inappropriate, where I had been propositioned to have a sexual relationship with my boss that I did not want,” Everson told the press.
She had originally planned to reveal the allegations in November, but stopped in fear of further retaliation. Everson previously appeared on Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle” to talk about her experience with sexual harassment, but did not give Scott’s name.
Congressman Scott vehemently denies the allegation, brushing it off as a Republican scheme. He issued the following statement:
Today, a former Congressional Black Caucus Foundation fellow, backed by a Republican operative known for dabbling in outlandish conspiracy theories, falsely alleged an act of sexual harassment against me. I absolutely deny this allegation of misconduct. I have never sexually harassed anyone in my 25 years of service in the United States Congress, or in my 40 years of public service, or at any other time.
Sexual harassment and assault are serious issues deserving of critical attention and review. No one should be subjected to sexual harassment or be treated unfairly. I have fought to promote and ensure that in my political and professional life and I live by it personally. The recent national discussion about sexual harassment is valued and important to our work to continue to make the workplace free from harassment and discrimination. False allegations will squander this momentous opportunity for dialogue on meaningful change in the workplace. I am confident that this false allegation will be seen for what it is when the facts are adequately reviewed.
Everson’s accusation against Scott is the second sexual misconduct allegation against a member of the Congressional Black Caucus. Democratic Rep. John Conyers, who was the longest serving member of Congress, was recently accused by several women of misconduct and has since “retired” from his seat.
