NY Assemblyman Juan Ardila denies sex abuse allegations
New York Assemblyman Juan Ardila has denied accusations of sexual misconduct made by two women. The allegations date back to a 2015 party, during which the women claim Ardila touched them without consent and, in one instance, exposed himself. Ardila initially said he did not “even know what this is” when first contacted by the media before taking a contrite approach to the accusations. However, in a statement published following the release of a 38-page report he commissioned into the allegations, Ardila said, “I did not sexually abuse anyone or engage in any sexual assault”. He added that the only reason he previously failed to deny the allegations was upon the advice of former political allies.
FAQs
What are the allegations?
Two women accused New York Assemblyman Juan Ardila of sexual misconduct at a party in 2015. They claim that Ardila touched them without their consent and exposed himself to one of them.
What has Ardila said in response?
Ardila initially took a contrite approach to the allegations, saying that he made no excuse for his past behaviour. He subsequently commissioned a report, which he paid for himself, and which questioned the credibility of the women’s claims. Following the report’s release, he said he had not sexually abused or assaulted anyone.
What happens next?
Calls have been made for Ardila to resign from his position. Councilwoman Julie Won is one of those demanding that he steps down. She has accused Ardila, who is a self-proclaimed progressive, of “pathological hatred towards women”. Despite the allegations, Ardila remains in his position as a legislator.
Sexual Abuse Allegations Denied by NY Assemblyman Juan Ardila
New York Assemblyman Juan Ardila (D-Queens) has denied allegations of sexual misconduct made against him by two women, stating in an official report that he “did not sexually abuse anyone or engage in any sexual assault.” Ardila had originally said he was no longer disputing the claims made against him, which were first reported in March. One of the women alleged that Ardila touched her without consent and exposed himself, while the other alleged inappropriate touching. Although Ardila commissioned the report from the law firm Buchanan Ingersoll and Rooney, it does not conclude that he did not touch the women, but instead questions their credibility. Ardila claims he paid for the report personally. Calls for his resignation have intensified since the report was released.