A second woman is accusing the lieutenant governor of Virginia, Justin Fairfax, of sexual assault.
The woman, Meredith Watson, says she was raped while the two were students at Duke University. Watson’s attorney says she told friends about the attack immediately afterward, and the law firm is in possession of corroborating evidence.
Watson says her rape is “similar” the incident alleged by Vanessa Tyson, who says Fairfax forced her to perform oral sex on him during the 2004 Democratic National Convention.
Watson’s attorney, Nancy Erika Smith, released the following statement about the incident:
Fairfax has since released a statement denying the accusation.
“I deny this latest unsubstantiated allegation,” he said in a statement. “It is demonstrably false. I have never forced myself on anyone ever.”
“I demand a full investigation into these unsubstantiated and false allegations,” the statement continued. “Such an investigation will confirm my account because I am telling the truth.”
Fairfax said his accusers are conspiring against him: “It is obvious that a vicious and coordinated smear campaign is being orchestrated against me. I will not resign.”
Meanwhile BuzzFeed reports that Gov. Ralph Northam plans to remain in office despite a series of blackface scandals engulfing his governorship. His staff says he’s reading “Roots” and “The Case for Reparations” and plans to use the remainder of his terms focusing on race issues.