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Jarqui

(10,110 posts)
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 10:07 AM Feb 2019

Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax threatens legal action against conservative website over 'defamatory ...

Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch

and false' sexual assault allegation

Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax has threatened legal action against a conservative website that aired what Fairfax’s office called a “defamatory and false” sexual assault allegation against him.

Big League Politics, the website that first posted the racist photo from Gov. Ralph Northam’s medical school yearbook page, aired elements of the allegation Sunday night.

In a statement early Monday morning, Fairfax’s office said The Washington Post had already investigated the allegation and chose not to publish a story due to “significant red flags and inconsistencies.”

“Lt. Governor Fairfax has an outstanding and well-earned reputation for treating people with dignity and respect,” read the statement from his office, “He has never assaulted anyone – ever – in any way, shape or form.”

Read more: https://www.richmond.com/news/virginia/government-politics/lt-gov-justin-fairfax-threatens-legal-action-against-conservative-website/article_40dbcfef-5af6-5f91-9b4f-fa73050594d8.html



WVTR, a CBS Virginia station also reported this monring
https://wtvr.com/2019/02/04/justin-fairfax-claim/

...
The claim leveled against Fairfax — who was not mentioned by name — came in the form of a Facebook post written by the accuser and shared, with her permission, by a woman in Richmond. CBS 6 News has not yet independently confirmed the accuser wanted her story shared with the public. Some details included in her Facebook post will be added to this story once that confirmation is obtained.

The Lt. Governor’s team indicated this was not the first time the woman has spoken about the alleged assault.

“The person reported to be making this false allegation first approached the Washington Post – one of the nation’s most prominent newspapers — more than a year ago, around the time of the Lieutenant Governor’s historic inauguration,” the statement continued. “The Post carefully investigated the claim for several months. After being presented with facts consistent with the Lt. Governor’s denial of the allegation, the absence of any evidence corroborating the allegation, and significant red flags and inconsistencies within the allegation, the Post made the considered decision not to publish the story.”
...



Last night, when this story started to break, I researched the Big League Politics report. They're the same conservative site that first reported Northam's 1984 yearbook racist photo.

I do not know if it has even reached a "she said - he said" place because the woman has not officially responded. Her Facebook page is shutdown which may be as a result of this ... I'm not sure.

If she does formally make a claim, she's an academic and author who has worked on sexual misconduct - seems to be a reputable and a nice person. She's also been a long standing Democrat supporter which spoils some of the potential conspiracy theories of a right wing hit job. She's black which contradicts potential claims of racist motivation. The person she was communicating with on Facebook also seems reputable.

This may (key word - I'm not positive) have been the subject of Northam's urgent meeting last night. I saw one blog-like report that suggests it might have been.

It is now on the Drudge Report Twitter feed so it is probably just a matter of time before it mushrooms
because it is clearly in the Republicans interest for it to come out.

Republicans control both the House & Senate in Virginia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia_General_Assembly
which probably have an impact if both the Gov & Lt Gov have to resign ... might have been the subject of the meeting last night ... I do not know for sure.

Sorry to potentially ruin your morning. We may be looking at more ugliness in Virginia. I suspect we will.
61 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax threatens legal action against conservative website over 'defamatory ... (Original Post) Jarqui Feb 2019 OP
Here's a copy of Fairfax's statement Jarqui Feb 2019 #1
This message was self-deleted by its author mahatmakanejeeves Feb 2019 #11
The WaPo has since put out their own statement... regnaD kciN Feb 2019 #33
Republicans in Iliyah Feb 2019 #2
+1 2naSalit Feb 2019 #3
That's true Jarqui Feb 2019 #4
And unfortunately Democrats are helping, case in question...Northam Perseus Feb 2019 #37
This message was self-deleted by its author geralmar Feb 2019 #44
Republicans are such sore losers IronLionZion Feb 2019 #5
Yep. n/t Mr.Bill Feb 2019 #6
Bingo. Coordinated as hell. Hekate Feb 2019 #23
Yes, and I think it's related to abortion. LisaM Feb 2019 #28
So they can tell themselves they're doing something morally good IronLionZion Feb 2019 #39
Right Wing Media is.... Adrahil Feb 2019 #7
From me yesterday. Mr.Bill Feb 2019 #8
Couldn't agree more. NotAPuppet Feb 2019 #9
Northam and Fairfax Mr.Bill Feb 2019 #14
I agree pandr32 Feb 2019 #19
So the Democrats who ousted Franken because of sex allegations... Honeycombe8 Feb 2019 #45
You said it! True Blue American Feb 2019 #42
+1. nt Honeycombe8 Feb 2019 #46
From me on Friday - Dawson Leery Feb 2019 #24
We saw it coming. The Republicans are determined spooky3 Feb 2019 #10
"Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax has threatened legal action...." mahatmakanejeeves Feb 2019 #12
it's a pretty serious allegation. mopinko Feb 2019 #17
It's not the seriousness of the allegation that sets the bar. pnwmom Feb 2019 #27
The malicious intent is pretty clear when you combine it with timing and the outlet of release. lagomorph777 Feb 2019 #31
He would have to prove the woman was lying with malicious intent. n/t pnwmom Feb 2019 #34
Depends on whom he's suing. lagomorph777 Feb 2019 #35
The allegations against Franken started after the hearing of Sessions... Honeycombe8 Feb 2019 #47
Now we find Roger Stone True Blue American Feb 2019 #54
That's right. Isn't that interesting? If the Republicans... Honeycombe8 Feb 2019 #55
It is pretty clear True Blue American Feb 2019 #56
I agree. nt Honeycombe8 Feb 2019 #59
We seriously need some dirty tricksters of our own - fight fire with fire. lagomorph777 Feb 2019 #61
There has to be a line somewhere angrychair Feb 2019 #13
Conservatives on other websites Mr.Bill Feb 2019 #15
Expected angrychair Feb 2019 #21
This started in 2017 when they fabricated one vote to steal one seat in the Assembly lagomorph777 Feb 2019 #30
Just like most of the "me, too" allegations. He said/she said. Franken was ousted over that. Honeycombe8 Feb 2019 #48
How convenient for Republicans MissKat Feb 2019 #16
Reason pandr32 Feb 2019 #20
+1 Mr.Bill Feb 2019 #22
The media is also to blame! True Blue American Feb 2019 #43
Bless you for that post! True Blue American Feb 2019 #57
same old playbook.... dhill926 Feb 2019 #18
There's lots of winger sites that are not afraid Maxheader Feb 2019 #25
Breitbart waited until the Abortion statement to drop Northam, then drops Fairfax in the same week. ehrnst Feb 2019 #26
There you go, the next stage in the VA Russiapublicans' assault on democracy. lagomorph777 Feb 2019 #29
+1,000,000 Dawson Leery Feb 2019 #32
Ok. Now I think Northam may be correct in not resigning? Freethinker65 Feb 2019 #36
One term True Blue American Feb 2019 #58
Thx. I learned that after my post, but decided not to delete it... Freethinker65 Feb 2019 #60
yep, gov. Northam put a big ol bullseye on lt. gov Fairfax's back 0rganism Feb 2019 #38
Some have alleged Northam was behind this latest effort ... Jarqui Feb 2019 #41
HE didn't. Others did. And of course, the ones who are manipulating the Democrats. nt Honeycombe8 Feb 2019 #49
Va. Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax denies sex assault allegation from 2004 mahatmakanejeeves Feb 2019 #40
K & R Duppers Feb 2019 #50
Someone said the line of succession is Lt. Governor, Attorney General and the AG is a Democrat. Vinca Feb 2019 #51
Followup: Woman Alleging Sexual Assault By Virginia's Lt. Gov. Hires Washington Law Firm PoliticAverse Feb 2019 #52
Fairfax asked for this in his statement to the media Jarqui Feb 2019 #53

Response to Jarqui (Reply #1)

regnaD kciN

(26,035 posts)
33. The WaPo has since put out their own statement...
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 03:06 PM
Feb 2019

...denying Fairfax’s claim that there were “significant red flags and inconsistencies” in the woman’s account. The reason they decided not to publish, according to them, was that there was no corroboration — basically a “he said, she said” situation. And, as we all know, current tendencies go more toward “believe all women” in these cases.

This is not looking good for Democrats in Virginia.

Iliyah

(25,111 posts)
2. Republicans in
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 10:20 AM
Feb 2019

Virginia and elsewhere are going after Democrats . .

That's one of the way they can win besides stealing it outright.

Jarqui

(10,110 posts)
4. That's true
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 10:30 AM
Feb 2019

But I'm not sure yet if that is purely what is going on here.

I'm trying to be honest and objective - which Republicans often are not. The facts and the truth should guide us.

Kavanaugh and Christine Blasey Ford is giving me pause here. When I looked over this woman's bio, she was an academic that reminded me of Christine. Seems like a nice lady who I'm not sure even wants this to come out. So out of respect for that and concern for hypocrisy, I'm trying to tread carefully.

On the other side of the coin, there's Al Frankin so I'd like to be careful of that for Lt Gov Fairfax.

 

Perseus

(4,341 posts)
37. And unfortunately Democrats are helping, case in question...Northam
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 03:18 PM
Feb 2019

People have made stupid decisions when young, I understand that Northam was not as young when he made his, but nonetheless it could have been one of those moments when one gets blinded by the situation without thinking of the consequences.

I said it on another post, his career and behaviour should have the analysis that it deserves to determine if he has been a racist or if he has been the opposite, which we cannot say about many, and maybe all republicans, but as with Al Franken the Democrats jump the gun again, Democrats may be making a huge mistake, which is to panic every time republicans throw dirt at one of the Democrats in power. Who wins at the end? Who won when Al Franken resigned? republicans did!

What does Northam's record show as a politician? Is that of a racist, yes or no? Those questions need to be answered...where did "innocent until proven guilty" go?

Response to Perseus (Reply #37)

IronLionZion

(45,261 posts)
5. Republicans are such sore losers
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 10:31 AM
Feb 2019

this sounds suspiciously like a coordinated takedown of both Dems in Virginia.

LisaM

(27,762 posts)
28. Yes, and I think it's related to abortion.
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 02:39 PM
Feb 2019

I will never understand why abortion matters so much to conservatives who don't seem to care about actual living people, but I do think this one-two punch has to do with abortion.

IronLionZion

(45,261 posts)
39. So they can tell themselves they're doing something morally good
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 03:53 PM
Feb 2019

when they're really just kidding themselves. It's about control over women and putting them in their place without choice.

 

Adrahil

(13,340 posts)
7. Right Wing Media is....
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 10:36 AM
Feb 2019

... in a full court press to try and reverse Virginia's complete conversion to a blue state.

I am not excusing Northam here. He did what he did. But the bad guys are scared shitless that power is slipping and they will do ANYTHING to reverse it.

NotAPuppet

(326 posts)
9. Couldn't agree more.
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 10:42 AM
Feb 2019

I’m not debating or questioning what Northam did, but what I’ve been questioning from the beginning is the faux moral outrage from the right. I think that Republicans will try to remove Northam and Fairfax to reclaim power and destroy Democrats in VA.

I hope we’re both wrong.

Mr.Bill

(24,104 posts)
14. Northam and Fairfax
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 11:38 AM
Feb 2019

need to call a joint press conference and call this exactly what it is. Nobody should resign yet.

Honeycombe8

(37,648 posts)
45. So the Democrats who ousted Franken because of sex allegations...
Tue Feb 5, 2019, 04:38 AM
Feb 2019

have to oust Fairfax, I guess.

Is there anyone pure enough to run for political office, any more?

True Blue American

(17,972 posts)
42. You said it!
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 05:17 PM
Feb 2019

This is from the same Conservative group that went after the Governor.

We know Al Frankens accuser was being offered a show with Clear Channel!

When are We going to quit eating our own?

mahatmakanejeeves

(56,897 posts)
12. "Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax has threatened legal action...."
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 11:05 AM
Feb 2019

He's a public figure. That's a really high bar.

pnwmom

(108,925 posts)
27. It's not the seriousness of the allegation that sets the bar.
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 02:38 PM
Feb 2019

You have to prove malicious intent.

lagomorph777

(30,613 posts)
31. The malicious intent is pretty clear when you combine it with timing and the outlet of release.
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 02:50 PM
Feb 2019

And the fact that the Russiapublicans only hold the legislature because they stole one vote to steal one seat in 2017.

lagomorph777

(30,613 posts)
35. Depends on whom he's suing.
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 03:12 PM
Feb 2019

If an outlet publishes the lies with no attempt to vet, that can also be malice.

Honeycombe8

(37,648 posts)
47. The allegations against Franken started after the hearing of Sessions...
Tue Feb 5, 2019, 04:42 AM
Feb 2019

where Franken hit a home run in his questioning of Sessions and caught him lying.

The allegations started with a Republican female who made the declaration against Franken on Fox.

It doesn't get any clearer than that. Yet...Democrats ousted Franken.
Democrats are trying to oust Northam.
And now...what about Fairfax? Will Kamala Harris & Cory Booker call for him to leave his position?

Honeycombe8

(37,648 posts)
55. That's right. Isn't that interesting? If the Republicans...
Tue Feb 5, 2019, 02:44 PM
Feb 2019

or oligarchy or business crime racketeers are going to manipulate the Democrats like this, it's high time some on the side of the Democrats did the same thing to the Republicans. If we continue to "fire" people because of something the Republicans have pulled out of their *ss, we're not going to win elections for the foreseeable future, or keep people in office.

True Blue American

(17,972 posts)
56. It is pretty clear
Tue Feb 5, 2019, 03:04 PM
Feb 2019

The same right wing group is also going after his back up.

Swift boating goes clear back to John Kerry. It is time for both the MSM and the party to quit caving tp these cheats and dirty tricksters.

lagomorph777

(30,613 posts)
61. We seriously need some dirty tricksters of our own - fight fire with fire.
Wed Feb 6, 2019, 12:06 PM
Feb 2019

For example, if you can show that Russiapublican politician "X" once committed an act of kindness toward a person of color, that politician becomes endangered and vulnerable to a primary challenge.

angrychair

(8,594 posts)
13. There has to be a line somewhere
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 11:32 AM
Feb 2019

A major newspaper did an investigation for several months but found it so questionable that they didn’t publish anything. It’s more than a simple “he said/she said” as this claim has been vetted and found baseless enough to not even publish a “in the public interest” article that is typically done with public officials.


Mr.Bill

(24,104 posts)
15. Conservatives on other websites
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 11:43 AM
Feb 2019

are already blaming the WaPo for doing a "catch and kill" on this story a year ago. Nothing the Post can say will convince these people otherwise. This is a hit job to take over the governorship of Virginia.

angrychair

(8,594 posts)
21. Expected
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 01:26 PM
Feb 2019

If no one thought that republicans would not weaponize the #metoo movement to use it against Democrats they were kidding themselves.

lagomorph777

(30,613 posts)
30. This started in 2017 when they fabricated one vote to steal one seat in the Assembly
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 02:48 PM
Feb 2019

and keep their "majority." They can't win through free and fair elections so they will steal power any way they can.

Honeycombe8

(37,648 posts)
48. Just like most of the "me, too" allegations. He said/she said. Franken was ousted over that.
Tue Feb 5, 2019, 04:43 AM
Feb 2019

So...a precedent has been set.

MissKat

(218 posts)
16. How convenient for Republicans
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 12:05 PM
Feb 2019

Last edited Mon Feb 4, 2019, 01:48 PM - Edit history (1)

Something about this whole thing STINKS.

I wasn't going to visit this site today...but someone told me about this horrible accusation against the Lt. Governor and I wanted to find out more.

I'm surprised Kristen wasn't already calling for the Lt. Gov. to resign.

The next time a picture from decades ago pops up can we WAIT. Instead of being the first to scream, "Off with his/her head!" Let's just shut up and investigate, shall we? Let's let some light shine in and let's make sure it's not a set up.

Republicans play dirty. Lee Atwater taught them well.

You know what, Northam has to resign after Steve King resigns. After Mitch McConnell has to resign. After every race-baiting, hate-filled Republican has to resign.

Can't we use this situation to talk? I never paid much attention to "blackface". Anyone who has studied television and/or radio knows about Amos and Andy. So let's talk about this.

Let's find out why a MEDICAL SCHOOL thought that photo was okay. Maybe that Medical School should be shut down.

Here's my fear, if Republican strategists find out this works-- how many more times will we go through this? Wouldn't it be better to begin the discussion that's been swept under the rug? Especially now that we have a race-baiting president? Hate has to be taught.

I just can't go through this over and over...let's sort it out, seriously talk about it, and then make the decision about the governor resigning. Let the dust settle. Look at ALL the evidence and then see where we are.

dhill926

(16,234 posts)
18. same old playbook....
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 12:30 PM
Feb 2019

accuse a guy of beating his wife, and then make him deny it. It's out there now. Fucking repubs...

Maxheader

(4,366 posts)
25. There's lots of winger sites that are not afraid
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 02:33 PM
Feb 2019

to defame, slander, libel, malign....liberals..Regardless of who they are...

And I give it right back to them...Until they kick me off...
 

ehrnst

(32,640 posts)
26. Breitbart waited until the Abortion statement to drop Northam, then drops Fairfax in the same week.
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 02:36 PM
Feb 2019

Yep, deliberate hit trying to take out Democratic leadership of Virginia, which finally went blue in 2018.

Fuck Breitbart. Fuck the GOP. They can't win any other way.

lagomorph777

(30,613 posts)
29. There you go, the next stage in the VA Russiapublicans' assault on democracy.
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 02:45 PM
Feb 2019

We knew it was coming.

Time to fight dirty. I guarantee you there is not a GOPper in Virginia who hasn't done some really bad shit in his time. We need to hire a massive oppo research operation and out every last one of them.

Freethinker65

(9,934 posts)
36. Ok. Now I think Northam may be correct in not resigning?
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 03:13 PM
Feb 2019

Perhaps he was tipped off the GOP was going after Fairfax next?

Up to now I was in the resign now crowd. Now, perhaps Northam commits to finishing one, and only one term, committed to serving ALL Virginians, while giving Fairfax an increased role. The main focus will then remain on Northam, and Fairfax will have some time to fight any unjust allegations.

If the allegations are true, it is anyone's guess what will happen.

Freethinker65

(9,934 posts)
60. Thx. I learned that after my post, but decided not to delete it...
Tue Feb 5, 2019, 06:58 PM
Feb 2019

Still, Northam could say he will finish the term he was elected to serve and then retire from seeking further political office which might give Fairfax some time to clear his name if he is innocent of the accusation.

0rganism

(23,856 posts)
38. yep, gov. Northam put a big ol bullseye on lt. gov Fairfax's back
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 03:49 PM
Feb 2019

prepare for further ratfucking until the GOP sneaks one of its own into the governorship.

mahatmakanejeeves

(56,897 posts)
40. Va. Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax denies sex assault allegation from 2004
Mon Feb 4, 2019, 04:34 PM
Feb 2019

Wow. WaPo disputes part of Fairfax's statement on the assault allegation

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/va-lt-gov-justin-fairfax-denies-sex-assault-allegation-from-2004/2019/02/04/05fb0f6c-272b-11e9-ad53-824486280311_story.html?utm_term=.6f7d3b0b2658



Local
Va. Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax denies sex assault allegation from 2004

By Theresa Vargas
February 4 at 12:02 PM

Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax issued a statement early Monday denying a sexual assault allegation that appeared on the same conservative website that posted a racist photograph from Gov. Ralph Northam’s medical school yearbook page.

“Lt. Governor Fairfax has an outstanding and well-earned reputation for treating people with dignity and respect,” read the statement from his chief of staff and communications director. “He has never assaulted anyone — ever — in any way, shape or form.”

The statement came after the online publication, Big League Politics, ran a story under the headline: “UPDATE: Stanford Fellow Hints At Possible Justin Fairfax Sex Assault.”

The story was based on a private Facebook post from the woman, which the publication said it had obtained from a friend of hers who had permission to share it.
....

Theresa Vargas is a local columnist for The Washington Post. Before coming to The Post, she worked at Newsday in New York. She has degrees from Stanford University and Columbia University School of Journalism. Follow https://twitter.com/byTheresaVargas

Vinca

(50,170 posts)
51. Someone said the line of succession is Lt. Governor, Attorney General and the AG is a Democrat.
Tue Feb 5, 2019, 08:28 AM
Feb 2019

Republicans still wouldn't be in charge. Maybe today will bring a hit job on the AG.

PoliticAverse

(26,366 posts)
52. Followup: Woman Alleging Sexual Assault By Virginia's Lt. Gov. Hires Washington Law Firm
Tue Feb 5, 2019, 10:40 AM
Feb 2019

A California woman who has accused Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax of sexual assaulting her 15 years ago, has hired the same law firm that represented Christine Blasey Ford in her allegations against then-Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.

Fairfax has denied the allegation, which first surfaced on a conservative blog and were later described in a report by The Washington Post.

...

The woman making the accusation against Fairfax has retained Katz, Marshall and Banks, a Washington, D.C.-based firm, and is consulting with her attorneys about next steps, according to a source close to the legal team. The law firm assisted Blasey Ford as she came forward during Kavanaugh's confirmation process with allegations that he assaulted her when the two were in high school.

Read the rest at: https://www.npr.org/2019/02/05/691530607/woman-alleging-sexual-assault-by-virginias-lt-gov-hires-washington-law-firm

Jarqui

(10,110 posts)
53. Fairfax asked for this in his statement to the media
Tue Feb 5, 2019, 11:18 AM
Feb 2019

He said that he "will take appropriate legal action against those attempting to spread this defamatory and false allegation"

I haven't checked the location of the alleged 2004 assault but there would be a good chance civil and criminal actions by her would be barred by the statute of limitations.

If that is the case and he doesn't take legal action, this claim has little future as she couldn't even come up with enough for the Washington Post to run with the story.

I still think his press release was a mistake because it opened the door for the media to cover it.

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