Katie Porter Denies Relationship With Influencer Accusing Eric Swalwell

Rep. Eric Swalwell faced mounting calls to drop out after he was accused of sexually assaulting a staff member twice when she was too inebriated to consent.

“Editor's Note: This story has been updated to include new developments, including women coming forward with specific allegations referenced in earlier reporting and calls from Democratic leaders for Rep”

CBS News

The influencer behind the allegations, Cheyenne Hunt, has academic and political connections with UC Irvine Law professor and rival candidate Katie Porter.

CBS News

Hunt enrolled at UC Irvine Law in fall 2018 as Porter was running for Congress.

Porter continued living in on-campus housing throughout her time in Congress while on leave from her teaching position.

Porter has denied any direct relationship, with a spokesperson saying they do not have a relationship to speak of.

Swalwell vehemently denied the claims of inappropriate behavior.

In 13 years, not a single ethics complaint by any staff in his office had ever been lodged.

Los Angeles Times

Several of his staff members reportedly left the campaign.

Prominent Democrats called on him to drop out.

The Manhattan district attorney’s office announced it was investigating the allegations.

Porter raised the allegations on CNN, saying she had seen allegations coming from women staffers that were very, very troubling.

“As Eric Swalwell quit the California Guv race in the wake of the sexual misconduct allegations against him, Katie Porter benefited the most but the fellow Democrat distanced from the behind-the-scenes of the major exposé on Eric Swalwell”

The Times of India

She emphasized it was those women's stories to tell when they were ready.

When pressed on whether she had seen any evidence, Porter clarified she had not spoken to any women who are saying that they're going to come forward.

Hunt started posting about Swalwell on April 6, encouraging women to speak up.

Porter remained formally affiliated with the law school and continued living on campus.