NBC News waited weeks to publish information contradicting allegations that Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh was involved in gang rape parties.
On September 26, 2018, Julie Swetnick claimed in a sworn affidavit that she attended multiple parties during which she witnessed Kavanaugh “drink excessively” and “engage in abusive and physically aggressive behavior toward girls.” Swetnick was represented by celebrity lawyer Michael Avenatti. (RELATED: Woman Repped By Avenatti Claims Kavanaugh Attended Gang Rape Parties)
Below is my correspondence to Mr. Davis of moments ago, together with a sworn declaration from my client. We demand an immediate FBI investigation into the allegations. Under no circumstances should Brett Kavanaugh be confirmed absent a full and complete investigation. pic.twitter.com/QHbHBbbfbE
— Michael Avenatti (@MichaelAvenatti) September 26, 2018
Avenatti claimed at the time that he knew a second woman who could back up Swetnick’s allegations.
The second woman wrote in a declaration, “During the years 1981-82, I witnessed firsthand Brett Kavanaugh, together with others, ‘spike’ the ‘punch’ at house parties I attended with Quaaludes and/or grain alcohol. I understood this was being done for the purpose of making girls more likely to engage in sexual acts and less likely to say ‘No.'”
Julie Swetnick Becomes First Accuser To Speak On Camera | Morning Joe | MSNBC/ YouTube
The second woman, however, contradicted those claims in a phone interview with NBC on September 30, just a few days before Avenatti published her declaration. (RELATED: Avenatti Accused Of ‘Twisting Words’ Of Kavanaugh Witness)
“I didn’t ever think it was Brett,” she told NBC.
She later texted NBC on October 4 after reviewing the declaration published by Avenatti, writing, “It is incorrect that I saw Brett spike the punch. I didn’t see anyone spike the punch … I was very clear with Michael Avenatti from day one.”
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 24: Michael Avenatti, attorney for Stephanie Clifford, also known as adult film actress Stormy Daniels, walks as he leaves the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California on September 24, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
On October 5, the woman said she did not like that Avenatti had “twisted” her words.
Kavanaugh was not confirmed to the Supreme Court until October 6, days after NBC first spoke to the second woman on the phone.
NBC opted not to publish this contradictory information until October 26, despite the fact that they could have potentially saved Kavanaugh from days of grilling by Democratic lawmakers about the gang rape allegations.