Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Defense, has agreed to release a woman from a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) related to a 2017 sexual assault allegation, the Independent reported.

Hegseth's decision to free his accuser from the NDA comes as the woman has alleged that he physically blocked her from leaving a hotel room after a Republican women's conference, a claim Hegseth denies as consensual. Senator Lindsey Graham voiced support for Hegseth's move, calling for transparency in high-level appointments.

The sexual assault allegation stems from an incident in 2017 in Monterey, California, following a Republican women’s conference. The accuser, who has remained anonymous, claims that Hegseth, then an outspoken television personality, physically blocked the door of a hotel room, preventing her from leaving. The incident was reportedly documented in a police report viewed by The Independent.

Hegseth has consistently denied the allegations, insisting that he and the accuser had a consensual encounter and that authorities never filed charges. In response to the threat of a lawsuit from the accuser in 2020, the two parties reportedly agreed to a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), with Hegseth paying a settlement.

Hegseth's lawyer has publicly stated that the NDA was a confidential settlement agreement. He further claimed that the accuser had already voided the agreement by discussing the matter with third parties, and suggested that Hegseth was the victim of blackmail. According to the attorney, the accuser was reportedly holding onto the allegation to preserve her marriage.

Despite the NDA, Senator Lindsey Graham confirmed that Hegseth has agreed to release the woman from the binding contract. Graham, who has known Hegseth for years, expressed concern about the potential implications of an assault allegation against someone nominated for a prominent government position.

“I’d want to know if anybody nominated for a high-level job in Washington legitimately assaulted somebody,” Graham said in a statement. “If people have any allegation to make, come forward and make it.”

Graham Draws Parallels with Kavanaugh Confirmation

Graham drew a parallel to the 2018 confirmation process of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who faced a sexual assault accusation from Christine Blasey Ford. He emphasized that they should judge Hegseth by the same standard, suggesting that the public deserves clarity regarding the validity of such allegations before any confirmation takes place.

The senator further said that if anyone wished to make an allegation against Hegseth, they should do so openly. He noted that this approach mirrored how officials handled allegations against Kavanaugh, underscoring the importance of transparency and due process. “Right now he’s being tried by anonymous sources, that will not stand,” Graham added.

Hegseth's Legal Defense Stands Firm

Hegseth's legal team has taken a firm stance in defending their client, particularly regarding the NDA. Tim Parlatore, Hegseth's lawyer, asserted that there was “no NDA to release her from,” claiming the agreement was a private settlement. However, Parlatore warned that if the accuser chose to speak out, it could result in further legal action.

“If she wants to go in and talk about it, she can do it,” Parlatore stated. “But certainly, she would do it at her own peril of a further defamation lawsuit.”

Hegseth’s legal team has also indicated that the matter of blackmail remains a key element of their defense. Hegseth’s lawyer reiterated that the former television personality felt victimized, accusing the accuser of holding onto the allegation for personal reasons.

Other Controversies Add Complexity to Hegseth's Nomination

Further complicating Hegseth’s situation are other past controversies. He has faced accusations related to alcohol abuse, financial mismanagement within veterans’ groups, and even a controversial “kill all Muslims” chant during a bar outing. These issues have added to the scrutiny surrounding his nomination for Secretary of Defense.

Despite the public attention and criticism, Hegseth remains a prominent figure in Trump’s inner circle. His nomination for the Department of Defense has sparked significant debate, particularly over how officials should handle such accusations for someone in line for such a high-profile position.

The NDA's Release and Its Potential Consequences

In the case of the 2017 sexual assault allegations, Hegseth’s lawyer continues to maintain that there is no legal or factual basis for the claims, stressing the confidentiality of the settlement. However, the ongoing conversation around the NDA’s release raises questions about the fairness of political appointments in light of serious accusations.

Hegseth has yet to publicly comment on Graham’s statements regarding the release of the NDA or the controversy surrounding his past.

As the confirmation process for Hegseth moves forward, it remains to be seen whether any new developments will affect his nomination. With Graham’s backing and Hegseth’s decision to release his accuser from the NDA, the situation is still evolving, with both sides preparing for what could become a highly contentious confirmation battle.

The Future of the Allegation and Its Impact

As for the accuser, it remains unclear what actions she will take now that the NDA has lifted.. Her next steps will likely be critical in shaping the public’s perception of the allegations and the broader implications for Hegseth’s future in government.

Hegseth’s legal defense and the political support he has garnered from figures like Lindsey Graham suggest that the issue may continue to loom large during his nomination process. However, with Graham’s emphasis on transparency, it’s likely that more information will surface in the coming weeks.

The ongoing debate highlights the challenges high-profile political nominations face, especially when sexual assault allegations are involved. While Hegseth’s lawyer insists the allegations have no merit, the public must evaluate the credibility of the claims and the potential ramifications for the nominee.