Lori M. Chavez-DeRemer
Shawn T. Moore/Wikimedia Commons

Amidst controversy regarding misconduct, United States Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-Deremer has drew even more heat following reports that her husband sexually assaulted female labor staff members.

As a result, her husband, Dr Shawn DeRemer, has been barred from the labor department headquarters as reported by multiple outlets on Thursday, 19 February.

More on the Assault Allegations

According to the New York Times, the 57-year-old allegedly touched at least two female staff members inappropriately at the Labor Department building located at Constitution Avenue. One of the incidents reportedly took place on 18 December and was caught by office security cameras.

In one of the videos, DeRemer was seen giving one of the female victims an extended embrace. A formal report was filed by the Washington Metropolitan Police Department on 24 January. The department's sexual assault unit is currently handling the case.

As a result of this controversy, the husband of Lori Chavez-Deremer has been banned from entering the Frances Perkins Building.

According to a security staff member of the building in a report by Politico, they were given instructions to deny Dr DeRemer entry into the building. The anaesthesiologist normally paid his wife a visit at her office before this incident.

DeRemer Blasts Allegations

Despite the evidence gathered to support the sexual assault allegations against him, DeRemer has denied the claims. He vowed to clear his name and prove the accusations were false.

'I have not done any of this, and I categorically deny these things. I will absolutely, categorically fight everything in this,' DeRemer said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal.

The sexual assault accusations against Shawn DeRemer add to the growing list of problems that the labor secretary has to deal with.

Lori Chavez-DeRemer is already dealing with a misconduct scandal, forcing several members of her security detail to go on administrative and investigative leave.

Other Controversies Swelling

Lori Chavez-DeRemer is already under scrutiny following reports that she was having an inappropriate sexual relationship with one of her subordinates. The Labor secretary has denied the allegation.

Beyond the said relationship, DeRemer is also facing several accusations. This includes:

  • Taking staff to strip clubs
  • Drinking alcohol while at the office
  • Using taxpayer money to fund personal trips

DeRemer's attorney and the labor department have denied these allegations.

Despite the mounting issues against DeRemer, the White House has stood by her side according to press secretary Karoline Leavitt. She shared that United States President Donald Trump is aware of the ongoing probe on DeRemer. However, she did not confirm whether Trump had directly spoken to DeRemer regarding the investigation.

'He thinks that she's doing a tremendous job at the Department of Labor on behalf of American workers,' spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a press briefing reported by NBC News.

DeRemer's controversial tenure as labor secretary continues for now. According to Labor Department spokesperson Courtney Parella, DeRemer remains focused on carrying out the department's mission and providing support to American workers according to the Washington Post.

DeRemer's attorney, Nick Oberheiden, concurred. He stressed that the labor secretary remains focused on carrying out her mission despite the widening controversy.

'Despite attempts of distraction and attacks on her personal life, Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer continues to focus on her assigned mission — to advance President Trump's economic agenda to improve the lives of American workers,' Oberheiden stated.

With the growing list of accusations the case of Lori Chavez-DeRemer is another issue the Trump administration needs to address. It raises new questions about accountability and the standard of conduct, concerns that Trump may need to look into soon.

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