The husband of Ellie Samarco, one of four women accusing U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell of sexual misconduct, publicly supported his wife after she alleged on the record with CNN that the California congressman sent her unwanted nude messages.
Adam Parkhomenko posted a video statement from Swalwell on social media platforms.
Parkhomenko posted, “My wife’s name is Ellie Samarko. Obviously you know this, but her name has not been kept anonymous. And she even went on the record with CNN so that hopefully this won’t happen to other women and maybe it will help other women come forward.” “He also provided CNN with all the messages you sent him… and he has my full support.”
Sammarco told CNN that she initially contacted Swalwell on Twitter (now X) in 2021, when she had about 1,000 followers, to discuss politics. “I never thought he would respond – I had about 1,000 followers at the time,” he said. “And he actually responded.” He alleged that later exchanges also included unwanted nude messages from Swalwell.
Swalwell, a Democrat who is a leading candidate for governor of California, has strongly denied all allegations.
In addition to Samarco, three other women speaking to CNN accused Swalwell of various types of sexual misconduct, including claims that he sent them unwanted explicit messages or nude photos.
A former employee separately accused him of rape, an allegation Swalwell has also denied.
Swalwell said in a statement to CNN that the allegations are false and made on the eve of an important election.
The lawyer has threatened legal action against at least one woman.
The allegations were reported by CNN and The San Francisco Chronicle on Friday, causing some prominent Democrats and unions to withdraw support from Swalwell’s gubernatorial campaign.
