Life

Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax Accused of Sexual Assault by Two Women

"I deny this latest unsubstantiated allegation. It is demonstrably false," Fairfax said in a statement.

justin fairfax lt gov accused of rape
RICHMOND, VA - FEBRUARY 07: Virginia Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax arrives in the Senate chamber at the Virginia State Capitol, February 7, 2019 in Richmond, Virginia. Virginia state politics are in a state of upheaval, with Governor Ralph Northam and State Attorney General Mark Herring both admitting to past uses of blackface and Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax accused of sexual misconduct. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
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Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax has been accused of sexually assaulting two women.

Meredith Watson has accused Fairfax of raping her while the two were students at Duke University in 2000. "Mr. Fairfax’s attack was premeditated and aggressive. The two were friends but never dated or had any romantic relationship," a statement from Watson's legal team at Smith Mullen wrote. "Ms. Watson shared her account of the rape with friends in a series of emails and Facebook messages that are now in our possession. Additionally, we have statements from former classmates corroborating that Ms. Watson immediately told friends that Mr. Fairfax had raped her."

Previous to Watson coming forward, Vanessa Tyson accused Fairfax of sexual assault. Tyson released a statement detailing the alleged assault earlier this week and says it occurred in 2004 while they were in Boston for the Democratic National Convention. "What began as consensual kissing quickly turned into a sexual assault," Tyson said in a statement. "Mr. Fairfax put his hand behind my neck and forcefully pushed my head towards his crotch. Only then did I realize that he had unbuckled his belt, unzipped his pants, and taken out his penis. He then forced his penis into my mouth."

Fairfax is denying the allegations.

"I deny this latest unsubstantiated allegation. It is demonstrably false. I have never forced myself on anyone ever," Fairfax said in a statement. "I demand a full investigation into these unsubstantiated and false allegations. Such an investigation will confirm my account because I am telling the truth. I will clear my good name and I have nothing to hide."

Calls for Fairfax's resignation are growing in number and include the likes of former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe and Virginia Senator Tim Kaine.

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