Katie Hill, the openly bisexual freshman California congresswoman thought by many to be a rising star within the Democratic Party, has been put on the defensive after a right-wing website published nude photographs depicting her and another woman without Hill’s consent.
Hill is denying that she had a relationship with a member of her staff, a violation of House rules, and at first would not comment on whether she was involved with a campaign aide.
Then on Wednesday, she released a letter to constituents that read:
“During the final tumultuous years of my abusive marriage, I became involved in a relationship with someone on my campaign. I know that even a consensual relationship with a subordinate is inappropriate, but I still allowed it to happen despite my better judgment. For that I apologize. I wish nothing but the best for her and hope everyone respects her privacy in this difficult time.”
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The right-wing website RedState published photographs and text messages of Hill, alleging she had an affair with her legislative director Graham Kelly and a ‘throuple’ sexual relationship with a female campaign staffer as well as her husband. Hill is currently in the process of a divorce.
Hill said in a statement: “Intimate photos of me and another individual were published by Republican operatives on the internet without my consent. I have notified Capitol Hill police, who are investigating the situation and potential legal violations of those who posted and distributed the photos, and therefore will have no further comment on the digital materials.”
She added that some of the allegations against her are “absolutely false” and constitute a “smear” campaign orchestrated by her political rivals, as well as her ex.
“I am saddened that the deeply personal matter of my divorce has been brought into public view and the vindictive claims of my ex have now involved the lives and reputations of unrelated parties.”
“I am disgusted that my opponents would seek to exploit such a private matter for political gain.”
In the state of California, so-called “revenge porn” laws make it a misdemeanor offense to post intimate photos or videos of someone online without their consent. The crime carries a maximum six-month jail sentence.
“I have notified Capitol Hill police, who are investigating the situation and potential legal violations of those who posted and distributed the photos, and therefore will have no further comment on the digital materials,” Hill said.
Hill made history as the first openly bisexual congresswoman from California, unseating Republican incumbent Steve Knight in 2018’s “blue wave” of Democratic wins across the nation. Nancy Pelosi named her vice chairwoman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, which was a remarkably powerful position for a freshman. That committee is now playing a major role in the impeachment inquiry into President Trump.
Cam
Interesting that the same website has no problem with Trump’s adultery. Hmmmmmm
PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS
Difference is that pictures show she had a consenting relationship with an adult….
Had it been a Repugnatican it would have been pictures of an adult engaged in kiddie diddling….
ImSoRich
so if trump doesn’t denounce this act, should photos of his lady be presented……? Or does that lower us to their level?
when fighting pigs, isn’t it prudent to fight dirty?
truthseeker
@ImSoRich
But liberals did do that and continue to do that. They post pictures of the first lady from her modeling days to shame her
1898
@truthseeker those were pictures that were already on the web long before trump even announced his candidacy, and they were pictures that she willingly posed for with the understanding they would be seen by a wide audience. that is not even remotely comparable to publishing someone’s private photos without their consent
rustyiam
@1898 you missed his point which was that they used the pics to shame her!
Kangol2
@antitruthseeker, the right-wing New York Post featured photos of the First Lady busting it wide open nude. Not a liberal paper, or liberals, initially. Did you criticize the NY Post for doing so? BTW, Melania Trump is married to a rapist and abuser!
Kieran
Katie should be given the same presumption of innocence that she wanted to deny Brett Kavanaugh.
But for the record, I believe HIM. #MeToo.
Brian
You’re really gonna try to blame this shitshow on the right? Yet not mention her Nazi Iron Cross tattoo?
Amazing the different standard you have between these nude pics and Aaron Schock’s, whose you gleefully promoted in multiple stories.
Nude politician pics are gonna get tons of media coverage. To try to make it a partisan thing is moronic.
BTW, I saw the pics on Daily Mail, which is the last thing from right wing.
Vince
Once again your off your meds. The difference is that she owned her sexuality and hasn’t voted against LGBT’s to my knowledge.
The tattoo could be anything. It’s ironic from those bringing this up since all the actual Nazi’s support the Trump.
rustyiam
@ Vince please educate yourself in what a Nazi was and stood for!
Brian
Once again, you’re wrong. The principle is exactly the same, you either think it’s ok to publish private nude pics of someone or you don’t. If it’s revenge porn for one, it’s revenge porn for all, no matter what else they’ve done in their lives.
And please. It’s a Nazi cross, even if it had other historical meanings. The swastika used to mean something else too. According to the DM article, she’s actually called people out on Facebook for using that symbol, which just makes it that much more delicious.
wellinmysoul
there is no excuse. resign lady. you are not “fit” to serve in congress. full stop.
johnnymcmxxx
Typical hypocrisy from the right wing privacy police to hide their own freaky shame. And first prostitute’s nudie photos were readily available with a quick Google. Republicans and fat trump are the scum he accuses others of. Others who have at least a shred of decency.
Trekbike
It never ceases to amaze me how quickly gays turn on anyone and everyone that’s good to the gay community. Especially, other gays. Sickening.
richard 14
So we should ignore unethical or sleazy behavior by members of the LGBT community? Puh-lease.
inbama
Since when is sex unethical?
djmcgamester
Yes, she should be investigated if she’s breaching a House rule. No, it shouldn’t be published online. That said it’s a common practice to smear ones political enemies. And don’t for one second pretend that’s one-sided behavior. It isn’t.
To address some other points, the percentage of alt-right, neo-Nazis who support Trump is tiny. They’re just the ones who get all the coverage. Most are just average people who want nothing to do with the alt-right or identity politics. Welcome to America where moderate is the norm but extreme is news.
richard 14
Katie Hill’s career isn’t going far if these allegations prove to be correct. Identifying as gay or bi does NOT justify sleazy behavior. She should resign.
Kangol2
She’s a little messy. But is she addressing the needs of her constituents?