Hegseth lawyer says accuser "free to speak" but could face defamation suit

Pete Hegseth's lawyer Timothy Parlatore said that the accuser involved in the settlement agreement with Hegseth is "free to speak" but could face a defamation suit if she makes false statements.

While speaking with CNN's Kaitlan Collins on Thursday night, Parlatore said, "of course" she can speak; "however, if she doesn't tell the truth, if she repeats these false statements, then she will be subject to a defamation lawsuit ... and she's well aware of that."

Parlatore said that the woman had already breached the confidentiality agreement, adding that he notified her lawyers that the deal no longer had any "force and effect." That is why, Parlatore said, he can openly discuss the case on CNN with Collins.

Newsweek has reached out to Parlatore Law Group via email for additional information late Thursday night.

Details of the alleged breach by the accuser along with details of the settlement are not immediately known to Newsweek.

Hegseth last year entered a mutual settlement agreement with a woman who accused him of sexual assault in 2017. It is unknown how much money Hegseth paid the woman, The Washington Post previously reported, citing a statement by Parlatore.

Parlatore also said while speaking with Collins that "with the violation of the agreement, if he is not confirmed as the secretary of defense, we may still bring a civil extortion claim against her."

"If the false claims of somebody, that was part of an extortion, that was then put out in violation of a settlement agreement ultimately causes him to lose his future employment opportunities, then yes, that is something that is worth bringing a lawsuit against her and her friend and potentially even the attorney for her," Parlatore added.

In reaction to the lawyer's CNN interview with Collins, Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut accused Parlatore of "threatening or intimidating a potential witness."

Since President-elect Donald Trump nominated Hegseth as his pick for defense secretary, the former Fox News host has faced mounting backlash.

Hegseth, a U.S. Army veteran, has recently faced accusations of drinking at work by former Fox News employees, The Washington Post reported.

In an interview on The Megyn Kelly Show, Hegseth, 44, said in part: "I've never had a drinking problem," adding that if he were confirmed as Department of Defense secretary, he would not drink.

"There was never any drinking on the job at Fox News. Multiple people have come out on the record using their names to refute these false anonymous claims," Parlatore said in a previous statement to Newsweek.

Amid growing concerns over Hegseth's ability to receive Senate confirmation for the Cabinet position, Trump is reportedly considering Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to replace Hegseth as nominee. The governor unsuccessfully challenged Trump in the 2024 Republican primary.