Be careful: Influencer’s husband warns US lawmaker Eric Swalwell amid sex scandal

Amid a massive controversy over multiple sexual assault allegations against Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell of California, the husband of one of the accusers has issued a strong warning, saying any attempt by Swalwell to “disparage” his wife would lead to further legal trouble.

Adam Parkhomenko, husband of influencer Ally Sammarco, who accused Swalwell of sending explicit content and engaging in persistent, unwanted contact, said he wishes the congressman’s family well and hopes he seeks help.

“…If Eric Swalwell or his attorney makes a single statement that disparages my wife, I will be filing a lawsuit against him,” Parkhomenko said, adding, “I’ve already made clear that if he believes anything I’ve said is untrue, he should sue me immediately.”

He further warned Swalwell, who was a leading Democratic candidate for California governor, to “be very careful about what he chooses to say” and called on him to resign from Congress.

Sammarco is among four women who came forward on Friday with allegations of sexual misconduct against Swalwell. She said she initially connected with him over a political discussion, but the conversation gradually took a personal turn.

According to her, Swalwell frequently messaged her late at night, often while drinking, complimented her appearance, and suggested meeting in person. She alleged that he sent selfies from bed or shirtless, which later escalated to unsolicited explicit images, including photos of his genitals, according to CNN.

She also claimed that Swalwell showed an unusual personal interest in her life, asking where she lived and, at times, visiting her neighbourhood. Sammarco alleged that he would occasionally stop by her apartment building, briefly greet her, and leave. She also said he once gave her a personal tour of the US Capitol.

According to the allegations, Swalwell sexually assaulted a woman twice, including during the time she worked for him. Apart from Sammarco, two other women have also accused him of various forms of sexual misconduct, including sending unsolicited explicit messages or nude photos.

Meanwhile, the California Democrat has announced that he will resign from Congress following the controversy and has already called off his gubernatorial campaign.

However, Swalwell has denied all the allegations, calling them false. “I will fight the serious false allegations made against me. However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make,” he said.

The House Ethics Committee has launched an investigation into the allegations, while the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office in New York has also initiated a probe.

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