Representative George Santos accused of sexual harassment: what we know
The congressman who lied on his resume and has since sparked a series of state and federal investigations into his financial dealings is now charged with sexual harassment.
A former aide filed a complaint with the House Ethics Committee on Friday against Rep. George Santos, RN.Y., according to a copy of the complaint posted on social media.
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Reports: Federal prosecutors launch probe into elected Representative George Santos’ finances
Santos denied the allegations. Requests for comment to attorneys for Santos and Myers were not immediately returned.
“This is an unfortunate series of events, but the matter will hopefully be dealt with by the appropriate bodies and not litigated by the media,” Myers said in a statement.
Here’s what we know about the Help and Complaint.
Who filed a sexual harassment complaint against George Santos?
The man who filed the complaint is Derek Myers. He describes himself on Twitter as a journalist and was listed as the editor of the Scioto Valley Guardian in Ohio.
More:Republican George Santos ends month in Congress with fewer friends, more questions
What did Derek Myers do for George Santos?
Myers worked in Santos’ DC office beginning Jan. 24, according to the ethics complaint. His duties included “answering the telephone, reading mail, corresponding and writing to constituents, among other duties.” He said his title was “volunteer” until employment paperwork could be completed.
What does House Ethics’ sexual harassment complaint allege against George Santos?
Myers wrote that on January 25, the day after he started volunteering, Santos hit on him. He alleged:
- Santos asked Myers if he had an account with Grindr, a hookup app popular in the gay community.
- While in Santos’ private office, the congressman called him “buddy” and insisted that Myers sit with him on a small couch.
- Santos put his leg on Myers’ left leg and said, “Hey buddy, we’re going to karaoke tonight. Would you like to go?”
- When Myers refused, Santos “started to take his hand and move it down my leg to the inside of my thigh and started touching my groin”.
- Santos then told Myers that her husband was out of town that night “if you wanna come.”
- Myers pushed Santos’s hand away and began discussing correspondence with voters.
More:‘A fraudulent candidacy’: Former House Speaker Paul Ryan calls on George Santos to resign
What else does the complaint against George Santos allege?
Myers said he was called into the congressman’s office on Jan. 30 and asked about his background as a reporter, including “matters that had already come out in my conversations with hiring managers.”
On Feb. 1, Myers said he was told his job offer was rescinded.
The complaint also alleges that it is a breach of house ethics for Santos’ office to have him work as a volunteer to “offload the work of paid staff members.”
What did George Santos say about these allegations?
Santos denied the allegation of sexual harassment. “It’s funny” he told CNN. “Of course, I deny this claim.”
Learn more about George Santos
First month of work:Republican George Santos ends with fewer friends, more questions
Santos Companies:Companies linked to the embattled congressman are under intense scrutiny. What we know.
George Santos controversy:Here’s a look at the Republican House investigations
USA Today
