Within the phrases of reporter Beth Reinhard, Davis says that the congressman put his “hand exterior her shirt, briefly fumbled along with her bra earlier than unhooking it by pinching the clasp,” which left her “shocked” and afraid to talk. Reinhard continued, “He moved his hand to her thigh, inching upward.” Reed solely stopped, in response to Davis, after she requested one other individual on the desk for assist, who then “pull[ed] the congressman away from the desk and out of the restaurant.”
Davis confirmed the paper a textual content from that evening by which she advised her pal and coworker, Jessica Strieter, “A drunk congressman is rubbing my again,” and later added, “HELP HELP.” An unnamed witness additionally advised Reinhard that “Reed was visibly intoxicated and put his hand on Davis’ again earlier than being escorted from the restaurant whereas the remainder of the group remained.”
Strieter says that Davis advised her extra concerning the incident after the journey, including, “She was actually shaken by it.” Davis’ supervisor on the time, Brad Knox, additionally stated that he remembered Davis telling him about what occurred. Knox added that he requested Davis if she wished to file a grievance with the Home Ethics Committee however says that she determined to not. Davis herself says she now regrets not pursuing that choice, however defined, “I used to be afraid I might turn into ‘that lady’ who made a multitude of issues for a member, and that nobody would ever wish to affiliate with me.”
The Submit contacted Reed, who had been mulling a bid for governor of New York, with a listing of questions for its story, to which he responded, “This account of my actions will not be correct.” On Sunday, although, Reed revealed a press release apologizing to Davis and saying that he wouldn’t be on the poll for something subsequent yr.
