Topline
Matt Schlapp, a major Republican figure who is chairman of the Conservative Political Action Coalition (CPAC), is accused of groping a Herschel Walker Senate campaign staff member in October during a campaign visit, according to multiple reports, accusations Schlapp has strongly denied.
Matt Schlapp was accused of sexual assault by a Herschel Walker campaign staffer.
Key Facts
The unnamed staff member, described as a man in his late thirties, alleges Schlapp had “put his hands on me in a sustained and unsolicited and unwanted manner” while driving Schlapp home from a bar on October 19, according to The Daily Beast, which first reported the allegations.
One senior Walker campaign official confirmed to NBC News the staff member had immediately reported the incident, adding the campaign worked to remove the staffer from driving Schlapp to future events.
The staffer is now weighing possible legal action against Schlapp, noting he previously deferred going public with allegations because of concerns a scandal involving Schlapp would negatively affect Walker’s Senate campaign.
Schlapp’s lawyer Charlie Spies told The Daily Beast the allegations were an “attack” on Schlapp and denied there was “any improper behavior.”
Crucial Quote
“Matt Schlapp of the CPAC grabbed my junk and pummeled it at length, and I’m sitting there thinking what the hell is going on, that this person is literally doing this to me,” the staffer said in a video describing the incident that was viewed by The Daily Beast.
What To Watch For
Though Schlapp has denied the allegations, it is unknown whether the staff member will go public or file a lawsuit. In addition to a possible lawsuit against Schlapp, Spies has said he is “evaluating legal options” in response to The Daily Beast’s reporting of the incident.
Key Background
Schlapp has served as CPAC chairman for seven years, and saw his power grow as an activist and power broker in recent years. During the Trump presidency, Schlapp and his wife, Mercedes, who served under Trump as the White House director of strategic communications, were described by the New York Times as “Washington’s Trump-Era ‘It Couple.’” Schlapp additionally served as White House political director for President George W. Bush after serving as Chief of Staff to Congressman Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.). The Schlapps hosted events to fund the campaigns of various key Republican candidates in the 2022 election, including Mehmet Oz and Walker, according to the Washington Post.
Further Reading
Conservative Leader Matt Schlapp Is Accused Of Fondling A Male Campaign Staffer In Georgia (Forbes)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2023/01/06/conservative-leader-schlapp-accused-of-sexually-assaulting-herschel-walker-campaign-staffer/