Republican Rep. Chuck Edwards denied having any inappropriate relationship with staff and informed NCS in an interview Tuesday that an investigation by the House Ethics Committee will ultimately clear him of any wrongdoing.
“No,” Edwards informed NCS when requested if he had any inappropriate relationship with staff. He later stated, “I think you’re gonna find that when Ethics completes their investigation that the facts will have caught up with all the gossip and the rumor.”
NCS reported final month that the ethics panel is investigating allegations of sexual harassment in opposition to the North Carolina congressman. Sources informed NCS that one witness who contacted the committee described witnessing improper habits, however NCS didn’t know on the time the exact nature of the improper habits, nor was it clear whether or not the committee had corroborated any of the allegations.
At the time, Edwards stated in an announcement to NCS, “I welcome any investigation, given the professionalism my staff has demonstrated and my commitment to serving the people of Western NC. Given the current political environment we are facing in our nation, it comes as no surprise that others with their own political agendas will attempt to raise false accusations in order to create news stories.”
Axios reported earlier this month that the ethics committee’s probe into Edwards was prompted partly by the congressman’s conduct towards two feminine staffers. The outlet cited sources who stated they witnessed “inappropriate” conduct by the congressman towards the 2 feminine staffers.
The outlet reported that, in response to a request for remark in regards to the investigation, Edwards once more stated that he welcomed any investigation and that “it comes as no surprise that others with their own political agendas will attempt to raise false accusations in order to create news stories.”
Edwards on Tuesday informed NCS he has not spoken with the 10-member ethics panel but, however that he plans to cooperate with their investigation. He additionally accused the panel of being unfair “in the media.”
“I can say that if there’s credible evidence against any member of Congress of misconduct, it should be investigated. I feel strongly in this case there’s not been any credible evidence,” he stated.
He continued, “I’m disappointed in that Ethics has not been fair in the media, and that the media is guilty of being tabloid media and just spreading gossip, unfounded and often in conflict, but I very look forward to cooperating with the Ethics investigation.”
The congressman informed NCS he has spoken with Speaker Mike Johnson however didn’t element their conversations.
NCS has reached out to the ethics panel to request remark.