His former daughter-in-law filed a complaint against the candidate for the post of head of the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth
The former daughter-in-law of US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth did statement under oath, accusing him of “aggressive and erratic behavior” toward his second wife, Samantha, and alcohol abuse. According to Hegseth’s lawyer, these accusations are of a political nature and are aimed at discrediting the candidate.
The statement was made in response to a request by Sen. Jack Reed, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee from Rhode Island. In the document, Danielle Hegseth, the ex-wife of the candidate’s brother, claims that Samantha repeatedly felt afraid for her safety during the marriage because of her husband’s behavior.
In one of the cases described by Danielle, between 2014 and 2016, Samantha was forced to hide in a closet to avoid conflict with her husband. She even used a code word to ask for help. Although Danielle did not witness physical or sexual abuse, she described Hegseth’s behavior as “aggressive and volatile.”
In addition, the statement refers to his excessive consumption of alcohol. In particular, the incident when he was carried out of a strip club drunk in military uniform, as well as cases during family holidays when he lost consciousness due to alcohol, is mentioned.
Since Hegseth’s nomination as Secretary of Defense, other controversial episodes from his past have surfaced. One of them concerns allegations of rape of a woman at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa. Hegseth’s lawyer said the incident was consensual and the case was settled through an out-of-court settlement.
