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.
The allegations against Justin Fairfax are serious and credible. It is clear to me that he can no longer effectively serve the people of Virginia as Lieutenant Governor. I call for his immediate resignation.
Lieutenant Governor Fairfax should resign. The allegations against him detail atrocious crimes, and he can no longer effectively serve the Commonwealth. We cannot ever ignore or tolerate sexual assault.
The multiple detailed allegations against the Lt. Gov. of Virginia are deeply troubling. They are serious, credible, and corroborated by others. It is no longer appropriate for him to serve. He should resign.
These credible and troubling allegations from Dr. Vanessa Tyson and Meredith Watson make it clear that Lt. Gov Fairfax should resign. My heart goes out to these brave women and their families.
