In her upcoming book "Enough," Cassidy Hutchinson, a former aide in the Trump White House, reveals that Rudy Giuliani allegedly sexually assaulted her backstage during the rally preceding the insurrection at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. Hutchinson, who was 27 years old at the time, gained attention for her crucial testimony in the House select committee's public hearings investigating the events of that day. The book also delves into her experiences during her tenure in the administration of former President Donald Trump.
The Guardian initially reported quotes from the book, which CNN later confirmed. Hutchinson, who works as an assistant to Mark Meadows, Trump's chief of staff, alleges that Giuliani touched her inappropriately at the January 6 rally by placing his hands "under my blazer, then my skirt."
Responding to Hutchinson's claims, Ted Goodman, a political adviser to Giuliani, referred to them as a "disgusting lie" in a statement.
Backstage on Jan. 6
"One may question why Cassidy Hutchinson has chosen this moment to reveal allegations from two and a half years ago, within the framework of her upcoming book's promotional campaign," noted Goodman. "These accusations against Mayor Rudy Giuliani, a man of remarkable achievements in public service including dismantling organized crime, revitalizing New York City, and providing solace to the nation after the events of September 11th, are unequivocally false and repugnant."Hutchinson notes that other individuals, including John Eastman, a conservative lawyer who, like Giuliani, propagated false allegations about the 2020 election being stolen from Trump, also witnessed the interaction with Giuliani.
Rudy Giuliani speaks from The Ellipse near the White House on January 6, 2021.
Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images
The encounter started when Giuliani asserted that he had proof of voter fraud. According to Hutchinson, Giuliani's mouth curled into a Cheshire cat grin as he approached her, brandishing a pile of papers, resembling a wolf closing in on its target.
"We have the evidence, all of it right here. We're about to successfully execute this plan. Rudy embraces me, his arm enveloping my body and closing the distance between us. I can feel his stack of documents pressing against the small of my back. I cast my gaze downward, observing his free hand as it reaches for the bottom edge of my blazer," Hutchinson narrates.
"By the way," he comments, caressing the fabric, "I must say, this leather jacket looks fantastic on you." His hand discreetly slips beneath my blazer, continuing down to my skirt."
"He gingerly brushes his icy fingertips along my thigh," she pens. "With his chin slightly raised, the whites of his eyes appear discolored. My gaze swiftly shifts to John Eastman, who reveals a sinister smirk."
"Struggling against the tightness in my muscles, I instinctively retreat from Rudy's clasp ... consumed by fury, I storm out of the tent, embarking on yet another mission to find Mark," she writes, alluding to her former employer, Meadows.
Charles Burnham, the attorney representing Eastman, strongly refuted Hutchinson's version of events and labeled the allegations as "defamatory" in his statement to CNN. Burnham explicitly stated that Eastman has no recollection of ever encountering Ms. Hutchinson and was not aware of her identity until her public testimony before the House of Representatives' Select Committee in June 2022.
Giulianis legal issues
Amid Giuliani's mounting legal troubles and substantial legal expenses, Hutchinsons comes forward with claims. The former mayor of New York City is currently facing multiple legal challenges, including being one of the 18 co-defendants indicted along with Trump for their alleged involvement in trying to influence the outcome of the 2020 election in Georgia. Giuliani's pending trial has also required him to post bail, further adding to his financial burdens.
Michael Ragusa has uploaded images capturing former President Donald Trump and Rudy Giuliani addressing a fervent gathering at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster on Monday. In addition to the visuals, Ragusa has shared a captivating video of Giuliani passionately addressing the crowd of supporters.
Michael Ragusa
Giuliani facing millions of dollars in unpaid legal bills ahead of fundraiser hosted by Trump
The law firm, Davidoff Hutcher & Citron, which previously represented Giuliani, is now suing him for not fully paying his legal bill. Giuliani has only paid $214,000 out of his total bill, leaving a remaining balance of over $1.3 million. Additionally, Giuliani has been held responsible for defaming two Georgia election workers by falsely accusing them of voter fraud in 2020.
Trumps PAC recently settled a debt of over $300,000 on behalf of Giuliani, owed to a data-hosting company that retained access to essential electronic data required for legal proceedings. Additionally, he may have to further compensate the company with thousands of dollars. Giuliani is also confronting sanctions of more than $100,000 due to his failure to address certain aspects of the 2020 election defamation lawsuit. Furthermore, he awaits a jury trial that could result in substantial damages in the same case. Trump has actively endorsed fundraisers in support of Giulianis legal defense fund.
CNNs Kara Scannell and Katelyn Polantz contributed to this report.