Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax threatens legal action against conservative website over 'defamatory ...
Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch
and false' sexual assault allegation
Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax has threatened legal action against a conservative website that aired what Fairfaxs office called a defamatory and false sexual assault allegation against him.
Big League Politics, the website that first posted the racist photo from Gov. Ralph Northams medical school yearbook page, aired elements of the allegation Sunday night.
In a statement early Monday morning, Fairfaxs office said The Washington Post had already investigated the allegation and chose not to publish a story due to significant red flags and inconsistencies.
Lt. Governor Fairfax has an outstanding and well-earned reputation for treating people with dignity and respect, read the statement from his office, He has never assaulted anyone ever in any way, shape or form.
Read more: https://www.richmond.com/news/virginia/government-politics/lt-gov-justin-fairfax-threatens-legal-action-against-conservative-website/article_40dbcfef-5af6-5f91-9b4f-fa73050594d8.html
WVTR, a CBS Virginia station also reported this monring
https://wtvr.com/2019/02/04/justin-fairfax-claim/
...
The claim leveled against Fairfax who was not mentioned by name came in the form of a Facebook post written by the accuser and shared, with her permission, by a woman in Richmond. CBS 6 News has not yet independently confirmed the accuser wanted her story shared with the public. Some details included in her Facebook post will be added to this story once that confirmation is obtained.
The Lt. Governors team indicated this was not the first time the woman has spoken about the alleged assault.
The person reported to be making this false allegation first approached the Washington Post one of the nations most prominent newspapers more than a year ago, around the time of the Lieutenant Governors historic inauguration, the statement continued. The Post carefully investigated the claim for several months. After being presented with facts consistent with the Lt. Governors denial of the allegation, the absence of any evidence corroborating the allegation, and significant red flags and inconsistencies within the allegation, the Post made the considered decision not to publish the story.
...
Last night, when this story started to break, I researched the Big League Politics report. They're the same conservative site that first reported Northam's 1984 yearbook racist photo.
I do not know if it has even reached a "she said - he said" place because the woman has not officially responded. Her Facebook page is shutdown which may be as a result of this ... I'm not sure.
If she does formally make a claim, she's an academic and author who has worked on sexual misconduct - seems to be a reputable and a nice person. She's also been a long standing Democrat supporter which spoils some of the potential conspiracy theories of a right wing hit job. She's black which contradicts potential claims of racist motivation. The person she was communicating with on Facebook also seems reputable.
This may (key word - I'm not positive) have been the subject of Northam's urgent meeting last night. I saw one blog-like report that suggests it might have been.
It is now on the Drudge Report Twitter feed so it is probably just a matter of time before it mushrooms
because it is clearly in the Republicans interest for it to come out.
Republicans control both the House & Senate in Virginia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia_General_Assembly
which probably have an impact if both the Gov & Lt Gov have to resign ... might have been the subject of the meeting last night ... I do not know for sure.
Sorry to potentially ruin your morning. We may be looking at more ugliness in Virginia. I suspect we will.
Jarqui
(10,421 posts)Response to Jarqui (Reply #1)
mahatmakanejeeves This message was self-deleted by its author.
regnaD kciN
(26,517 posts)...denying Fairfaxs claim that there were significant red flags and inconsistencies in the womans account. The reason they decided not to publish, according to them, was that there was no corroboration basically a he said, she said situation. And, as we all know, current tendencies go more toward believe all women in these cases.
This is not looking good for Democrats in Virginia.
Iliyah
(25,111 posts)Virginia and elsewhere are going after Democrats . .
That's one of the way they can win besides stealing it outright.
But I'm not sure yet if that is purely what is going on here.
I'm trying to be honest and objective - which Republicans often are not. The facts and the truth should guide us.
Kavanaugh and Christine Blasey Ford is giving me pause here. When I looked over this woman's bio, she was an academic that reminded me of Christine. Seems like a nice lady who I'm not sure even wants this to come out. So out of respect for that and concern for hypocrisy, I'm trying to tread carefully.
On the other side of the coin, there's Al Frankin so I'd like to be careful of that for Lt Gov Fairfax.
Perseus
(4,341 posts)People have made stupid decisions when young, I understand that Northam was not as young when he made his, but nonetheless it could have been one of those moments when one gets blinded by the situation without thinking of the consequences.
I said it on another post, his career and behaviour should have the analysis that it deserves to determine if he has been a racist or if he has been the opposite, which we cannot say about many, and maybe all republicans, but as with Al Franken the Democrats jump the gun again, Democrats may be making a huge mistake, which is to panic every time republicans throw dirt at one of the Democrats in power. Who wins at the end? Who won when Al Franken resigned? republicans did!
What does Northam's record show as a politician? Is that of a racist, yes or no? Those questions need to be answered...where did "innocent until proven guilty" go?
Response to Perseus (Reply #37)
geralmar This message was self-deleted by its author.
IronLionZion
(46,844 posts)this sounds suspiciously like a coordinated takedown of both Dems in Virginia.
Mr.Bill
(24,708 posts)Hekate
(94,207 posts)LisaM
(28,438 posts)I will never understand why abortion matters so much to conservatives who don't seem to care about actual living people, but I do think this one-two punch has to do with abortion.
IronLionZion
(46,844 posts)when they're really just kidding themselves. It's about control over women and putting them in their place without choice.
Adrahil
(13,340 posts)... in a full court press to try and reverse Virginia's complete conversion to a blue state.
I am not excusing Northam here. He did what he did. But the bad guys are scared shitless that power is slipping and they will do ANYTHING to reverse it.
Mr.Bill
(24,708 posts)I still hope I'm wrong.
https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=11767620
NotAPuppet
(327 posts)Im not debating or questioning what Northam did, but what Ive been questioning from the beginning is the faux moral outrage from the right. I think that Republicans will try to remove Northam and Fairfax to reclaim power and destroy Democrats in VA.
I hope were both wrong.
Mr.Bill
(24,708 posts)need to call a joint press conference and call this exactly what it is. Nobody should resign yet.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)have to oust Fairfax, I guess.
Is there anyone pure enough to run for political office, any more?
True Blue American
(18,130 posts)This is from the same Conservative group that went after the Governor.
We know Al Frankens accuser was being offered a show with Clear Channel!
When are We going to quit eating our own?
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)Dawson Leery
(19,358 posts)spooky3
(35,914 posts)To steal electoral offices the did not win.
mahatmakanejeeves
(60,489 posts)He's a public figure. That's a really high bar.
mopinko
(71,549 posts)i think that meets the bar.
pnwmom
(109,445 posts)You have to prove malicious intent.
lagomorph777
(30,613 posts)And the fact that the Russiapublicans only hold the legislature because they stole one vote to steal one seat in 2017.
pnwmom
(109,445 posts)lagomorph777
(30,613 posts)If an outlet publishes the lies with no attempt to vet, that can also be malice.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)where Franken hit a home run in his questioning of Sessions and caught him lying.
The allegations started with a Republican female who made the declaration against Franken on Fox.
It doesn't get any clearer than that. Yet...Democrats ousted Franken.
Democrats are trying to oust Northam.
And now...what about Fairfax? Will Kamala Harris & Cory Booker call for him to leave his position?
True Blue American
(18,130 posts)Had a hand in that!
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)or oligarchy or business crime racketeers are going to manipulate the Democrats like this, it's high time some on the side of the Democrats did the same thing to the Republicans. If we continue to "fire" people because of something the Republicans have pulled out of their *ss, we're not going to win elections for the foreseeable future, or keep people in office.
True Blue American
(18,130 posts)The same right wing group is also going after his back up.
Swift boating goes clear back to John Kerry. It is time for both the MSM and the party to quit caving tp these cheats and dirty tricksters.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)lagomorph777
(30,613 posts)For example, if you can show that Russiapublican politician "X" once committed an act of kindness toward a person of color, that politician becomes endangered and vulnerable to a primary challenge.
angrychair
(9,620 posts)A major newspaper did an investigation for several months but found it so questionable that they didnt publish anything. Its more than a simple he said/she said as this claim has been vetted and found baseless enough to not even publish a in the public interest article that is typically done with public officials.
Mr.Bill
(24,708 posts)are already blaming the WaPo for doing a "catch and kill" on this story a year ago. Nothing the Post can say will convince these people otherwise. This is a hit job to take over the governorship of Virginia.
angrychair
(9,620 posts)If no one thought that republicans would not weaponize the #metoo movement to use it against Democrats they were kidding themselves.
lagomorph777
(30,613 posts)and keep their "majority." They can't win through free and fair elections so they will steal power any way they can.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)So...a precedent has been set.
MissKat
(223 posts)Last edited Mon Feb 4, 2019, 01:48 PM - Edit history (1)
Something about this whole thing STINKS.
I wasn't going to visit this site today...but someone told me about this horrible accusation against the Lt. Governor and I wanted to find out more.
I'm surprised Kristen wasn't already calling for the Lt. Gov. to resign.
The next time a picture from decades ago pops up can we WAIT. Instead of being the first to scream, "Off with his/her head!" Let's just shut up and investigate, shall we? Let's let some light shine in and let's make sure it's not a set up.
Republicans play dirty. Lee Atwater taught them well.
You know what, Northam has to resign after Steve King resigns. After Mitch McConnell has to resign. After every race-baiting, hate-filled Republican has to resign.
Can't we use this situation to talk? I never paid much attention to "blackface". Anyone who has studied television and/or radio knows about Amos and Andy. So let's talk about this.
Let's find out why a MEDICAL SCHOOL thought that photo was okay. Maybe that Medical School should be shut down.
Here's my fear, if Republican strategists find out this works-- how many more times will we go through this? Wouldn't it be better to begin the discussion that's been swept under the rug? Especially now that we have a race-baiting president? Hate has to be taught.
I just can't go through this over and over...let's sort it out, seriously talk about it, and then make the decision about the governor resigning. Let the dust settle. Look at ALL the evidence and then see where we are.
True Blue American
(18,130 posts)True Blue American
(18,130 posts)dhill926
(16,894 posts)accuse a guy of beating his wife, and then make him deny it. It's out there now. Fucking repubs...
Maxheader
(4,393 posts)to defame, slander, libel, malign....liberals..Regardless of who they are...
And I give it right back to them...Until they kick me off...
ehrnst
(32,640 posts)Yep, deliberate hit trying to take out Democratic leadership of Virginia, which finally went blue in 2018.
Fuck Breitbart. Fuck the GOP. They can't win any other way.
lagomorph777
(30,613 posts)We knew it was coming.
Time to fight dirty. I guarantee you there is not a GOPper in Virginia who hasn't done some really bad shit in his time. We need to hire a massive oppo research operation and out every last one of them.
Dawson Leery
(19,358 posts)Freethinker65
(11,007 posts)Perhaps he was tipped off the GOP was going after Fairfax next?
Up to now I was in the resign now crowd. Now, perhaps Northam commits to finishing one, and only one term, committed to serving ALL Virginians, while giving Fairfax an increased role. The main focus will then remain on Northam, and Fairfax will have some time to fight any unjust allegations.
If the allegations are true, it is anyone's guess what will happen.
True Blue American
(18,130 posts)Is the limit. But I am not jumping on the Getem wagon! Not after what they did to Franken!
Freethinker65
(11,007 posts)Still, Northam could say he will finish the term he was elected to serve and then retire from seeking further political office which might give Fairfax some time to clear his name if he is innocent of the accusation.
0rganism
(24,523 posts)prepare for further ratfucking until the GOP sneaks one of its own into the governorship.
Jarqui
(10,421 posts)I do not know if that is true ...
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)mahatmakanejeeves
(60,489 posts)Wow. WaPo disputes part of Fairfax's statement on the assault allegation
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/va-lt-gov-justin-fairfax-denies-sex-assault-allegation-from-2004/2019/02/04/05fb0f6c-272b-11e9-ad53-824486280311_story.html?utm_term=.6f7d3b0b2658
Link to tweet
Va. Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax denies sex assault allegation from 2004
By Theresa Vargas
February 4 at 12:02 PM
Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax issued a statement early Monday denying a sexual assault allegation that appeared on the same conservative website that posted a racist photograph from Gov. Ralph Northams medical school yearbook page.
Lt. Governor Fairfax has an outstanding and well-earned reputation for treating people with dignity and respect, read the statement from his chief of staff and communications director. He has never assaulted anyone ever in any way, shape or form.
The statement came after the online publication, Big League Politics, ran a story under the headline: UPDATE: Stanford Fellow Hints At Possible Justin Fairfax Sex Assault.
The story was based on a private Facebook post from the woman, which the publication said it had obtained from a friend of hers who had permission to share it.
....
Theresa Vargas is a local columnist for The Washington Post. Before coming to The Post, she worked at Newsday in New York. She has degrees from Stanford University and Columbia University School of Journalism. Follow https://twitter.com/byTheresaVargas
Vinca
(50,861 posts)Republicans still wouldn't be in charge. Maybe today will bring a hit job on the AG.
PoliticAverse
(26,366 posts)A California woman who has accused Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax of sexual assaulting her 15 years ago, has hired the same law firm that represented Christine Blasey Ford in her allegations against then-Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.
Fairfax has denied the allegation, which first surfaced on a conservative blog and were later described in a report by The Washington Post.
...
The woman making the accusation against Fairfax has retained Katz, Marshall and Banks, a Washington, D.C.-based firm, and is consulting with her attorneys about next steps, according to a source close to the legal team. The law firm assisted Blasey Ford as she came forward during Kavanaugh's confirmation process with allegations that he assaulted her when the two were in high school.
Read the rest at: https://www.npr.org/2019/02/05/691530607/woman-alleging-sexual-assault-by-virginias-lt-gov-hires-washington-law-firm
Jarqui
(10,421 posts)He said that he "will take appropriate legal action against those attempting to spread this defamatory and false allegation"
I haven't checked the location of the alleged 2004 assault but there would be a good chance civil and criminal actions by her would be barred by the statute of limitations.
If that is the case and he doesn't take legal action, this claim has little future as she couldn't even come up with enough for the Washington Post to run with the story.
I still think his press release was a mistake because it opened the door for the media to cover it.