A second woman has come forward to accuse Virginia Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax of sexually assaulting her. Meredith Watson says Fairfax raped her in 2000 while they were studying at Duke University together.
Watson, 38, did not speak Friday, but said in a written statement shared by her attorney, Nancy Erika Smith, that she told several classmates and friends about the encounter after it happened. She characterized it as „premeditated and aggressive,“ and the statement notes, „The two were friends but never dated or had any romantic relationship.“
„At this time, Ms. Watson is reluctantly coming forward out of a strong sense of civic duty and her belief that those seeking or serving in public office should be of the highest character,“ Smith said in the statement. „She has no interest in becoming a media personality or reliving the trauma that has greatly affected her life. Similarly, she is not seeking any financial damages.“
However, the statement makes clear that Watson doesn’t think Fairfax should stay in office.
