GOP aide who accused Matt Schlapp of sexual misconduct comes forward ahead of $9.4m case
CPAC chief has denied all allegations against him
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A man who had previously anonymously accused the powerful head of the American Conservative Union of sexual harassment has now come forward.
Carlton Huffman, a longtime GOP aide, did so in an interview with The Washington Post this week after a judge ruled that he must do so in order to proceed with a $9.6m lawsuit against Mr Schlapp. He plans to file an amended suit, according to the Post, removing the barrier to pursuing legal action.
“I’m not backing away,” he told the newspaper.
“Matt Schlapp did what he did, and he needs to be held accountable,” said Mr Huffman, who added: “I’m not going to drop this.”
Mr Schlapp avoided questions from The Independent when questioned on the issue at CPAC 2023, held at the Gaylord convention centre in National Harbor, Md. He has previously denied the aide’s claims.
Mr Huffman claims that Mr Schlapp groped his crotch without his consent during a mutual trip the two made to Georgia last fall, in the days leading up to the contentious Senate election in the state. Mr Huffman and Mr Schlapp were there to campaign for Herschel Walker, the football star-turned-politician who like other Trump-endorsed candidates Dr Mehment Oz and Blake Masters came up short in his bid for Senate.
He further claims that the ACU leader made unwanted advances towards him.
An attorney for Mr Schlapp expressed confidence but refused to comment further after a hearing in the case on Wednesday.
“We are confident that when his full record is brought to light in a court of law, we will prevail,” said Mark Carallo, adding: “Out of respect for the court, we have no further comment at this time.”
CPAC 2023 featured sparse attendance compared to the event’s previous iterations, which many took as a sign of the ACU’s far-rightward shift under the presidency of Donald Trump. The conference this year was largely a celebration of Mr Trump and his administration, even though two of Mr Trump’s announced 2024 rivals as well as likely candidate Mike Pompeo spoke at this year’s event as well.
The three-day conference culminated with a speech from the former president, who is once again seeking the presidency. His likely top rival for the 2024 nomination, Ron DeSantis, spoke at a separate event over the same weekend.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments