Report: Woman Said Teen Kavanaugh Held Her Down, Tried to Force Himself on Her

The New Yorker revealed more details Friday about the sexual-misconduct allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, which were included in a letter sent to Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) in July by an unknown woman. In the letter, the woman reportedly claims that while the pair were in high school, more than 30 years ago, Kavanaugh held her down at a party and attempted to force himself on her. She said that Kavanaugh and a friend were both drinking, and that they allegedly turned up the music to muffle the sounds of her protests while Kavanaugh covered her mouth with his hand. The New Yorker adds that the woman says she escaped, but the memory of the incident has been a source of psychological distress that caused her to seek mental-health treatment. Kavanaugh has vehemently contested the claims, writing in a statement that “I categorically and unequivocally deny this allegation. I did not do this back in high school or at any time.” The classmate who allegedly aided Kavanaugh echoed the nominee’s words, telling The New Yorker that “I have no recollection of that.” On Thursday, Senate Democrats announced they referred the case to the FBI for further investigation. Sixty-five women who knew Kavanaugh in high school also sent a letter to the Judiciary Committee on Friday, attesting that he has “always treated women with decency and respect.”