Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh has been accused of attempted sexual assault that allegedly occurred years and years ago — while he was still in high school — in a recent bombshell development in the already contentious Supreme Court confirmation process.
Now, dozens of women who knew Kavanaugh while he attended high school are leaping to his defense.
He has also vigorously denied the allegations.
Here’s the back story.
The original allegation of attempted sexual assault was reportedly revealed by someone in a letter to Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) earlier this summer.
But the senator did not reveal the details of it until Wednesday, when she turned the letter over to the FBI.
Feinstein announced on Thursday, “I have received information from an individual concerning the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. That individual strongly requested confidentiality, declined to come forward or press the matter further, and I have honored that decision. I have, however, referred the matter to federal investigative authorities.”
But the tide may be turning in the last-minute attempt to smear the nominee.
More than five dozen women who knew Kavanaugh while he was in high school have written a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee chairman, Rep. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), and ranking member Dianne Feinstein, backing his character.
“We are women who have known Brett Kavanaugh for more than 35 years and knew him while he attended high school between 1979 and 1983,” the letter begins.
“For the entire time we have known Brett Kavanaugh, he has behaved honorably and treated women with respect. We strongly believe it is important to convey this information to the committee at this time.”
Related: 20 Most Incredible Reactions from Americans to This Kavanaugh Hearing
“Brett attended Georgetown Prep, an all-boys high school in Rockville, Maryland,” the letter continues. “He was an outstanding student and athlete with a wide circle of friends. Almost all of us attended all girls high schools in the area.”
“We knew Brett well through social events, sports, church, and various other activities. Many of us have remained close friends with him and his family over the years,” it continues.
“Many of us are not lawyers, but we know Brett Kavanaugh as a person. And he has always been a good person.”
“Through the more than 35 years we have known him, Brett has stood out for his friendship, character, and integrity,” the missive states. “In particular, he has always treated women with decency and respect. That was true when he was in high school, and it has remained true to this day. The signers of this letter hold a broad range of political views. Many of us are not lawyers, but we know Brett Kavanaugh as a person. And he has always been a good person.”
Kavanaugh issued a statement in response to the accusation Friday morning.
“I categorically and unequivocally deny this allegation. I did not do this back in high school or at any time,” Kavanaugh said.
Check out more about the case below:
Join the Discussion
COMMENTS POLICY: We have no tolerance for messages of violence, racism, vulgarity, obscenity or other such discourteous behavior. Thank you for contributing to a respectful and useful online dialogue.