Heather Curtis
WMAL.com
WASHINGTON — (WMAL) Things are looking even worse for Virginia’s Lt Gov. Justin Fairfax. A classmate of his at Duke University said Fairfax raped her when they went to school together in 2000. An attorney for Meredith Watson said in a statement Fairfax’s attack was premeditated and aggressive.
The attorney said Watson shared her account of the incident with friends in emails and facebook messages, and those friends have submitted statements corroborating that.
This comes a day after another accuser Dr. Vanessa Tyson sent out a statement detailing an alleged sexual assault Fairfax committed against her in 2004. Fairfax contends that sexual encounter was consensual.
“I deny this latest unsubstantiated allegation. It is demonstrably false. I have never forced myself on anyone ever,” Fairfax said in a statement Friday.
He wrote he has passed two full field background checks by the FBI and run for office in two highly contested elections, and none of these concerns were raised.
“It is obvious that a vicious and coordinated smear campaign is being orchestrated against me. I will not resign,” Fairfax wrote.
Many high-ranking members of Fairfax’s own party are calling for him to step down. Former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, Chair of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Physllis Randall and Virginia Rep. Jennifer Wexton have all called for Fairfax to resign after the news of the second sexual assault allegation.
On the other side of the aisle, Former Virginia Attorney Genereral Ken Cuccinelli, a Republican, also said Fairfax should resign.
If he doesn’t voluntarily step down, Del. Patrick Hope, a Democrat, Tweeted Friday that he would introduce articles of impeachement for Fairfax Monday.
The allegations against Justin Fairfax are serious and credible. It is clear to me that he can no longer effectively serve the people of Virginia as Lieutenant Governor. I call for his immediate resignation.
— Terry McAuliffe (@TerryMcAuliffe) February 8, 2019
It’s with deep regret and sadness that I have to call for the resignation of Justin Fairfax. Having more information available I can no longer stand with the Lt. Governor. I’m heartbroken to have to make this decision but I know in my heart it’s correct.
— Phyllis Randall (@PRandallcares) February 8, 2019
I believe Dr. Vanessa Tyson.
I believe Meredith Watson.
And I believe Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax must resign.
— Rep. Jennifer Wexton (@RepWexton) February 8, 2019
Here is what the statement from Watson’s attorneys said:
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