Comedian Bill Maher criticized former U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., during a Friday broadcast of “Real Time,” describing the former congressman in harsh terms while referencing past interactions and ongoing allegations against him, as reported by Fox News.
Maher told his audience that Swalwell had appeared on the show multiple times and said his impressions of the California Democrat were negative.
"I’ve got to say, we had him on a couple of times. Ask my staff, I never liked him," Maher said.
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Maher continued by stating, "I’ve always thought this guy was a f---ing creep. I never liked him and, yet, so many Democrats stood by him, and now that we’re finding out that it was such an open secret."
During the segment, Maher compared the situation to what he described as “open secrets” involving other public figures in past cases. He referenced former film producer Harvey Weinstein, former comedian Bill Cosby, former U.S. Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho, and former President Bill Clinton.
"I hear this so many times. … It was an open secret," he said. "What is going on here where it takes so long for the open secret to [come out]?"
Maher also addressed reactions from both political parties, noting that misconduct allegations have surfaced across party lines. In that context, he referenced E. Jean Carroll, who made accusations against President Donald Trump.
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The comments come as Swalwell faces multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and harassment from five women who recently came forward with claims about their experiences.
Following the allegations, Swalwell suspended his campaign for California governor and resigned from his position in Congress.
Swalwell has denied the allegations of misconduct but acknowledged past mistakes in a public statement issued after stepping down.
"I am deeply sorry to my family, staff, and constituents for mistakes in judgment I've made in my past," Swalwell said in a statement announcing his resignation.
He added, "I will fight the serious, false allegations made against me. However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make."
Federal authorities are now reviewing the allegations. The Department of Justice has opened an investigation into the claims, according to a source familiar with the matter.
In addition, district attorneys in Los Angeles and New York have launched separate investigations.
Swalwell’s legal team did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the allegations or the investigations.
The developments follow mounting scrutiny over the allegations and the timeline of Swalwell’s political career, including his decision to step away from his gubernatorial campaign and his resignation from Congress.
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