Lawsuit alleges CPAC aware of previous Matt Schlapp sexual misconduct claims
An amended lawsuit alleges that higher-ups at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) were aware of previous claims of sexual misconduct by Chairman Matt Schlapp but failed to take action.
The lawsuit, which includes charges of battery and defamation, claims that CPAC officials neglected to investigate the allegations or remove Schlapp from his position. This is despite two additional individuals, who are not named in the lawsuit, reporting similar misconduct to CPAC’s parent organization, the American Conservative Union.
The filing states, “ACU previously was notified and aware of Matthew Schlapp’s propensity for unlawful sexual assault and battery, including at least two prior incidents of similar conduct. ACU was negligent in its continued employment of Matthew Schlapp in a prominent leadership role.”
The two new individuals are not joining the lawsuit, but their reports were discovered during the legal process.
The amended lawsuit provides details of the alleged incidents. The first incident occurred in 2017 at a CPAC after-party, where Schlapp allegedly attempted to kiss a male employee against his wishes. The second incident took place during a fundraising trip to South Florida in early 2022. According to the filing, Schlapp was accused of stripping down to his underwear and engaging in non-consensual physical contact with another person.
Schlapp’s spokesman, Mark Corallo, has denied the accusations and dismissed the new claims as an attempt to influence the jury. Corallo stated, “These demonstrably false allegations are a continuation of transparent and desperate tactics…to bolster his spurious claims and taint potential jurors.”
The plaintiff, Carlton Huffman, previously worked for Herschel Walker’s campaign for the Georgia Senate. Huffman alleges that Schlapp groped his groin while driving him back to his hotel in Atlanta last year. Huffman’s lawsuit also accuses Schlapp of inviting him to his room, which Huffman claims he declined.
In addition to Matt Schlapp, the lawsuit also accuses his wife, Mercedes Schlapp, a senior fellow at CPAC and former Trump adviser, of defamation.
The lawsuit seeks $9.4 million in damages.
Why is it important for CPAC to establish comprehensive policies to prioritize the safety and well-being of all individuals associated with the organization
S had knowledge of previous allegations against Matt Schlapp but chose not to address them. The amended lawsuit, filed by a former employee of CPAC, adds to the mounting controversy surrounding the organization and its chairman.
The allegations of sexual misconduct against Matt Schlapp are not new. In fact, they have been circulating for quite some time. However, what is striking is the claim that higher-ups at CPAC were aware of these allegations and yet failed to take any action.
This latest development raises serious concerns about the accountability within the organization. It begs the question: why did CPAC officials choose to ignore these claims? Were they attempting to protect Schlapp, or were they simply indifferent to the gravity of the allegations?
The lawsuit alleges that not only did CPAC officials ignore the claims of sexual misconduct, but they also engaged in defamatory behavior towards the plaintiff. This further exacerbates the level of misconduct within the organization, indicating a serious lack of ethical standards.
In a time where movements like #MeToo have shed light on the prevalence of sexual misconduct, it is disheartening to witness such negligence within a prominent conservative organization. This case serves as a reminder that no individual, regardless of their position or affiliation, should be exempt from the consequences of their actions.
Furthermore, this lawsuit highlights the urgent need for accountability and transparency in all organizations. CPAC, as a major conservative entity, has a responsibility to uphold the values it claims to represent. Failing to address these serious allegations only compounds the issue and diminishes the credibility of the organization as a whole.
It is important to note that these are still allegations, and Schlapp has denied any wrongdoing. However, the fact that several individuals have come forward with similar claims raises significant red flags. This underscores the importance of conducting a thorough investigation into these allegations, ensuring that justice is served and any potential misconduct is properly addressed.
This case also serves as a cautionary tale for other organizations, regardless of their political or ideological leanings. It emphasizes the need for proactive measures to prevent and address instances of sexual misconduct within the workplace. Ignoring or downplaying such claims only perpetuates a toxic culture and fails the victims who are brave enough to come forward.
As this lawsuit unfolds, it is crucial for CPAC and its higher-ups to reflect on their actions and consider the consequences of their choices. It is imperative to establish comprehensive policies that prioritize the safety and wellbeing of all individuals associated with the organization. By doing so, CPAC can salvage its reputation and demonstrate its commitment to holding its members accountable.
Ultimately, this lawsuit serves as a wake-up call for organizations to reevaluate their practices and ensure they are upholding the highest standards of integrity. It is a reminder that no one should be above the law, and that individuals who perpetrate sexual misconduct must be held responsible for their actions. Only then can we hope to create safe and inclusive environments for everyone.
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