Husband of Accuser Threatens Lawsuit Against Eric Swalwell Over Potential ‘Disparagement’
The political fallout surrounding California gubernatorial frontrunner Eric Swalwell deepened this weekend. Adam Parkhomenko, husband of accuser Ally Sammarco, issued a direct warning on Sunday, April 12, stating he would file a lawsuit if the congressman or his legal team disparages his wife. Parkhomenko, a former DNC field director, posted the ultimatum on X, while also noting, “I wish the best for his family, and I hope he gets the help he needs.”
There’s a heavy tension in the air when reading these posts, like the kind of static you get before a thunderstorm. Sammarco is one of four women who have leveled sexual misconduct and harassment claims against the 45-year-old politician. A former staffer has even accused him of rape. According to a Misryoum investigation published Friday, April 10, Sammarco alleged that Swalwell offered to share her resume with other offices before sending inappropriate Snapchat messages suggesting they “get together and hook up.”
“I’ve already made clear that if he believes anything I’ve said is untrue, he should sue me immediately,” Parkhomenko wrote on Sunday. He further pressed for the politician’s resignation.
Swalwell, who represents California’s 14th district, has vehemently denied the allegations. In a social media video posted Friday, he addressed the claims directly. “These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They are absolutely false. They did not happen,” Swalwell stated, while also admitting he wasn’t a saint and had made judgment errors in his past. He specifically apologized to his wife of eight years, Brittany Watts, for the position this has placed her in.
It’s a messy situation. Parkhomenko slammed the denial video almost immediately after it dropped. He took issue with Swalwell’s framing, noting his wife went on the record with Misryoum specifically so other women might feel empowered to come forward. He also emphasized that despite his history of supporting Swalwell, the allegations have fundamentally shifted his perspective.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).