(Johnson County, NE) -- Republican candidate for Governor Charles Herbster, files a lawsuit against Nebraska State Senator Julie Slama.
On Friday, Herbster's campaign announced that the lawsuit was filed in Johnson County is response to accusations made by Slama that she had been sexually assaulted by Herbster. Last week, the Nebraska Examiner published a report detailing the alleged incidents involving Herbster. The article cites reports from eight women, including Slama, about inappropriate touching by Herbster. Slama stated that while at a 2019 Republican event, Herbster reached up her skirt. Other woman reported over the clothes touching, while one woman says Herbster forcible kissed her.
A statement from Herbster's camapign says by filing the lawsuit, the gubernatorial candidate is seeking to restore his, "good name and reputation and to oppose the false claims made against him."
Our legal system is based on a presumption of innocence. Trial by media and public opinion strips the protections granted to all citizens by our Constitution. It is not a coincidence that the accusations which are the subject of the lawsuit were made just days before an election.
Mr. Herbster stated, “As set forth in my lawsuit, the false accusations and attacks on my character are part of a greater scheme calculated to try and defeat my candidacy. I will not stop fighting until the truth is told and my name is cleared.”
Given the false allegations made against him, Mr. Herbster is left with no other option to clear his name and restore his reputation than to pursue legal action. - Statement from Herbster for Nebraska
Dave Lopez, litigation counsel for Senator Julie Slama released the following statement Friday evening:
We are aware of media reports of a purported lawsuit by Charles Herbster against Senator Julie Slama. Senator Slama has not been served with any such lawsuit. If and when she is, we will review it and respond in due course.
To be sure, any claim that calls into question Senator Slama’s well-corroborated account of her sexual assault by Charles Herbster would be categorically without merit and frivolous. Senator Slama will vigorously defend herself against any such lawsuit. Charles Herbster will be subject to the full scope of civil discovery if he proceeds with any legal attack against Senator Slama.
Senator Slama will stand strong against any attempt to weaponize the judicial process to scare victims from coming forward to share the truth.