FHFA director accused of sexual harassment

The Obama appointee calls the story the result of a political leak designed to embarrass him

FHFA director accused of sexual harassment

The director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency is under investigation for allegedly sexually harassing an employee.

The alleged harassment was first reported by Politico. The employee’s attorney, Diane Seltzer Torre, has confirmed that an investigation is being conducted regarding allegations against FHFA Director Mel Watt, according to CBS News. Torre declined to name the employee, citing privacy concerns.

Watt, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, denied any wrongdoing said that the story was given to Politico in a politically motivated leak.

“The selective leaks related to this matter are obviously intended to embarrass or to lead to an unfounded or political conclusion,” Watt said in a statement. “However, I am confident that the investigation currently in progress will confirm that I have not done anything contrary to law.”

Watt, a former Democratic congressman from North Carolina, took the reins at the FHFA in January of 2014. His term ends in January of 2019.

According to CBS News, the unnamed employee filed a complaint under the Equal Employment Opportunity Act, alleging that Watt had repeatedly made unwanted sexual advances when she tried to discuss promotion or salary issues with him. She also complained that she was denied a promotion in retaliation for reporting the harassment.

 

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