SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — A former California lawmaker who resigned over sexual misconduct allegations is suing his accuser for defamation despite investigators' findings her story is likely true.
Former Assemblyman Matt Dababneh filed a lawsuit Tuesday claiming lobbyist Pamela Lopez defamed him by alleging he pushed her into a bathroom and masturbated in front of her during a party in Las Vegas. He denies the allegation.
Lopez's lawyer Jean Hyams said Dababneh's suit is an act of retaliation and an attempt to silence women.
Dababneh resigned in December and the Legislature hired an investigator to look into Lopez's claims. Investigators in June said that Lopez's story is likely true. Dababneh is appealing the ruling.
His lawsuit says the allegation forced him to resign and that he's suffered depression and anxiety as a result.