Pete Hegseth often drank himself so full that he vomited and became unconscious, according to his former sister-in-law in a sworn statement to senators, which several American media outlets have received copies of.
Once, the former major allegedly had to be dragged out of a strip club in the middle of a lap dance – drunk and in his uniform.
Danielle Hegseth, who was married to Hegseth's brother from 2011 to 2019, describes the potential future defense minister as unpredictable in her statement.
Racist and Misogynistic
He was so aggressive towards his wife Samantha that she once hid in a closet and had a code word to call for help, according to the ex-sister-in-law.
Danielle Hegseth emphasizes that she never personally saw Pete Hegseth exercise physical or sexual violence. However, she describes several instances where he was verbally aggressive towards her. He is also said to have expressed himself in a racist and misogynistic manner, according to the statement, and among other things said that women should not work or have the right to vote.
Hegseth denies via his lawyer Danielle Hegseth's statements, writes both The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. He has previously admitted that he is not "perfect" and claimed that he would be sober in the role of defense minister – but at the same time dismissed the question marks about his suitability as "slander".
Republicans Concerned
Ex-wife Samantha Hegseth states in an email to NBC News that there was no physical violence in the marriage, but that she does not want to comment on the matter further.
The allegations come at a time when Republicans are working hard to speed up Hegseth's appointment as defense minister. The new information is expected to jeopardize his confirmation, writes American media.
Several Republicans take the ex-sister-in-law's statement seriously, according to sources for The New York Times.
