Matt Dababneh, a Democratic California Assemblyman, is the latest in the list of influential persons resigning from their posts due to allegations of a sexual nature.
Pamela Lopez, a lobbyist, recently and publicly accused Dababneh of masturbating in front of her in public. Additional accusations against the Assemblyman include disparaging comments about women and public bragging about his sexual experiences.
According to Lopez, Dababneh followed her into a restroom. There, he masturbated and begged her to touch him. This occurred during a Las Vegas party last year. Lopez came forward in a Los Angeles Times interview this past October. She told the Times that he pushed her into the bathroom, and by the time she turned, he had already unzipped his pants.
Jessica Yas Barker came forward to accuse Dababneh of frequently speaking of “sexploits.” She also accused him of misogynistic comments. She reported to him while working for Representative Brad Sherman from 2009 to 2010.
Dababneh’s resignation letter denied the accusations and welcomed a legislative investigation in hopes of clearing his name. He writes:
“We must remember that due process exists for a reason. We should never fight injustice with injustice.”
He further stipulates that resigning does not admit guilt on his part. He told the Los Angeles Times that he is seeking new opportunities.
Before Dababneh’s resignation, another California Democrat resigned over allegations of sexual harassment. Assemblyman Raul Bocanegra left his post last month after multiple women accused him of trying to make uninvited sexual advances on them.
California isn’t the only place where representatives are resigning; Senator Al Franken (D-Minn.) announced on Thursday that he would resign after charges of sexual harassment.
However, on the other side of the aisle, Republican lawmakers turned a blind eye to sexual harassment and abuse – Roy Moore is still running for one of Alabama’s Senate seats.
