As sexual assault allegations made by Dr. Christine Blasey Ford threw then-Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court confirmation into contention, several media outlets requested input from Wigdor LLP Founding Partner Douglas H. Wigdor, a former prosecutor who represents victims of sexual harassment and sexual assault by high-profile men.
Dr. Ford alleged that Judge Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her in a bedroom while at a gathering when she was 15. According to Dr. Ford, Judge Kavanaugh, who was 17 years old at the time of the alleged assault, pinned her to the bed and put his hand over her mouth to silence her before she eventually escaped. Judge Kavanaugh denied that the incident ever occurred.
The Senate Judiciary Committee held a public hearing on Thursday, September 27, 2018 in which it listened to testimony from both Dr. Ford and Judge Kavanaugh regarding the alleged incident.
Douglas Wigdor Provides Legal Analysis on MSNBC and NY1
Mr. Wigdor appeared on MSNBC several times to provide his legal analysis in the days leading up to the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. He also appeared on “Inside City Hall” with Errol Louis on NY1 to provide legal analysis in the immediate aftermath of the hearing.
Douglas Wigdor Tells The Washington Post What to Expect During the Hearing
On Wednesday, September 19, 2018, Mr. Wigdor was featured in an article published by The Washington Post on the subject of the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. Mr. Wigdor reminded The Post that the hearing is not a trial; rather, it is a chance for the Judiciary Committee to advise the Senate on whether to confirm Judge Kavanaugh.
Sexual assault expert Douglas Wigdor discusses how he would prep Blasey Ford for Monday's hearing: "preparing victims of sexual assault to testify — be it in court, before the Senate or in cooperation with a prosecutor’s office — pose similar challenges." https://t.co/EIO5FUzKmV
— WigdorLaw (@WigdorLaw) September 19, 2018
Because Dr. Ford will be questioned by senators who have already criticized the credibility of her allegations, Mr. Wigdor said, it’s important that Dr. Ford’s lawyer knows all the facts of the case before the hearing. Furthermore, Dr. Ford should be ready to respond to each question truthfully and to the best of her abilities — no matter how difficult they are — without being argumentative or defensive, according to Mr. Wigdor. He also noted that Dr. Ford will face the difficulty of having her testimony nationally broadcast on live television:
“With midterm elections around the corner, rather than focusing on whether Kavanaugh is qualified to be on the Supreme Court, politics and cameras in the courtroom will devolve to grandstanding and senators playing to constituents”
MSNBC
“What does Kavanaugh’s second accusation mean for his chances?”
September 24, 2018
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The Washington Post
“The worst is yet to come for Kavanaugh’s accuser. Take it from this sexual assault attorney.”
September 19, 2018
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The Washington Post
“A former sex-crimes prosecutor analyzed Ford’s allegations against Kavanaugh. Here’s her take.”
September 18, 2018
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The Washington Post
“Experts question GOP prosecutor’s memo on Christine Blasey Ford”
October 2, 2018
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MSNBC
“What happens when someone shares sexual assault allegations?”
September 18, 2018
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NY1 – Inside City Hall with Errol Louis
“Analyzing the Court Hearings on Capitol Hill”
September 27, 2018
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TIME
“President Trump’s Tweets Show Why Most Sex Assault Victims Never File Police Reports, Advocates Say”
September 21, 2018
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The Washington Post
“The new Kavanaugh allegation is on precarious legal ground, former sex-crimes prosecutors say”
September 24, 2018
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