A newly surfaced police report challenges a sexual assault accusation made in 2017 against Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Defense secretary.

The report highlights surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts that contradict the claimant's allegation, indicating that the encounter involving the now-Trump administration nominee was, in fact, consensual and that the accuser may have been hiding her actions from her husband, as Breitbart reports.

The incident in question allegedly occurred at a Republican women’s conference in Monterey, California, following an after-party at a hotel bar.

The accuser claimed Hegseth raped her after leading her to his hotel room. However, evidence collected by investigators, including video footage and witness statements, painted a different picture.

Surveillance and Eyewitness Reports Shed Light

Surveillance footage from the night at issue showed the accuser smiling and appearing at ease while interacting with Hegseth. Witnesses reported that she initiated physical contact, including touching his arm and body. A hotel employee later observed her escorting an intoxicated Hegseth to his room, describing her demeanor as sober and coherent.

Around 1:30 a.m., hotel staff received noise complaints about a disturbance near the pool. Witnesses noted the accuser apologizing for Hegseth’s behavior and guiding him away. This timeline aligned with evidence suggesting she maintained control of the situation throughout the night.

Accuser’s Actions Raise Questions

Earlier in the day, text messages sent by the accuser to her husband referenced Hegseth, with comments on his appearance. However, she did not respond to her husband’s later messages that evening, sparking his concern. The accuser told police she could not recall how she ended up in Hegseth’s room and alleged that he blocked the door while she attempted to leave.

Despite claiming she said "no" multiple times, the accuser admitted to asking Hegseth if he had a condom. Her statements conflicted with eyewitness testimony and the behavior captured on surveillance footage, raising doubts about her version of events.

Police Investigate, Find No Evidence of Assault

Hegseth confirmed to authorities that the encounter was consensual, stating both he and the accuser expressed hesitation but chose to continue. His lawyer, Tim Parlatore, argued that the accuser was the aggressor, emphasizing that video and witness accounts consistently showed her leading the interaction.

“The video clearly depicts her leading him while sober, as he was heavily intoxicated,” Parlatore said. He added that investigators considered the possibility of charging the accuser based on her actions.

Unusual Details Emerge in Police Report

During the investigation, police asked the accuser to participate in a "pretext" phone call with Hegseth to gather more evidence. She declined, which further hindered efforts to substantiate her claims.

Additionally, an eyewitness reported seeing the accuser the following morning acting normally and showing no signs of distress.

Hegseth stated he had no recollection of being reprimanded for the noise complaints near the pool but confirmed that he returned to his room with the accuser.

The accuser’s initial explanation to someone presumed to be her husband was that she "must have fallen asleep somewhere," accompanied by an apology.

Commentary Stirs Debate

Public reactions to the case varied widely. Media personality Megyn Kelly expressed skepticism about the allegation, describing it as inconsistent with evidence. “This smells like utter nonsense,” Kelly remarked, questioning the accuser’s narrative.

Investigators ultimately found no evidence of rape. The case did not lead to charges against Hegseth, who maintained his account of a consensual encounter. However, the details highlighted by the police report have reignited discussions about the complexities of such allegations.

Ongoing Scrutiny Over Nomination

The incident has drawn attention as Hegseth awaits confirmation of his nomination to lead the Pentagon. While the police report absolves him of wrongdoing, the case continues to generate public discourse about accountability, evidence, and consent in high-profile allegations.

As the story unfolds, the release of these findings may shape both the narrative around Hegseth’s personal conduct and the broader conversation about such accusations in political circles.