A statement was released by a California city regarding a 2017 assault accusation that did not lead to any charges being filed. The nominee for secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth, who was appointed by President-elect Donald Trump, addressed reports of a sexual assault allegation from 2017 through his lawyer. He claimed that he paid the accuser to prevent a baseless lawsuit and also responded to allegations about a cross tattoo on his chest.
Hegseth, a Fox News host, was accused of sexual assault in 2017 after an event in Monterey, California, as stated by the City of Monterey. Despite the accusation, no charges were brought against him. His lawyer, Tim Parlatore, stated that the woman who accused Hegseth was actually the aggressor and that he was the victim of blackmail.
Parlatore clarified that the encounter between Hegseth and the woman was consensual, and the payment was part of a confidential settlement made years after the incident to avoid a lawsuit that could have jeopardized Hegseth’s job. He described the situation as a case of successful extortion.
The statement released by the City of Monterey provided limited details about the incident, stating that the alleged victim’s identity was confidential. It mentioned contusions to the right thigh and the absence of weapons during the alleged incident, which took place between October 7 and 8, 2017.
Trump’s transition team did not immediately comment on the matter, but a spokesperson expressed support for Hegseth and emphasized his denial of the accusations. The statement also defended Hegseth against attacks regarding his tattoos and drew attention to his military service and educational background.
In response to reports about Hegseth being flagged as an “insider threat” due to his tattoos, Vice President-elect JD Vance defended him and criticized the anti-Christian bigotry surrounding the issue. Hegseth himself expressed determination to combat such targeting if he is appointed as the Secretary of Defense.
Overall, the article highlights the response to the assault accusation, the legal actions taken by Hegseth, and the support he received from his colleagues amid the controversy. Please rewrite the following sentence.
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