Rep. Lauren Boebert is pushing back hard against allegations that she had sexual relationships with current and former members of her congressional staff, calling the claims entirely false and driven by political motives. The Colorado Republican addressed the accusations in an exclusive interview with CBS Colorado, her first public statement on the matter.
The allegations originated in a complaint filed by David Wheeler, an activist with a prior history of making claims against Boebert. Wheeler alleges she had sexual relationships with three staffers and arranged a $200,000 payment to keep one former aide quiet. CBS Colorado has not independently verified the allegations, and the House Ethics Committee has made no finding on the matter.
Boebert Denies Every Claim, Cites Staff Denials
Boebert said she only agreed to speak publicly because the allegations also targeted members of her team. “If it was only about me, there wouldn’t have been a response,” she said. “I would have brushed this off and walked away. But when you involve my team and lie about them, I have to stand up and say something.”
She argued that the accusations lack any supporting evidence. “There has been no evidence of anything whatsoever, especially with every single person that he’s accusing of being involved or even being a witness is denying this,” Boebert said. Under congressional ethics rules, sitting lawmakers are prohibited from engaging in sexual relationships with employees under their direct supervision.
Wheeler defended his complaint in an email to CBS Colorado, saying his information came from sources who wished to remain anonymous. However, Lauren Boebert ethics complaint was filed within 60 days of the November 3 election, which violates House Ethics Committee rules. Wheeler also acknowledged that no sitting member of Congress has certified his filing, a requirement before the committee can act on an outside complaint.
A Pattern of Accusations From the Same Activist
Boebert said Wheeler has targeted her repeatedly over the years. “This Mr. Wheeler is someone who has absolutely stalked and harassed me and my family for years now,” she said. He previously claimed she had worked as an escort, using a photo of a different woman as supposed evidence, and separately alleged she had abortions. “Smack dab in the middle of pregnancies, but I still have the children,” Boebert said of the abortion claim.
She called the latest round of allegations the most damaging yet because it dragged in her staff and their families. “We all have school-age children who are already receiving messages from their peers. It is absolutely disgusting and no one should be able to ruin lives to the degree that he does,” Boebert said.
Boebert Weighs Legal Options Going Forward
Boebert said she is actively exploring what legal action may be available to her. I don’t know if this is something an attorney general handles. I don’t know if this is something that eventually involves law enforcement rather than civil suits that go nowhere. But something needs to happen,” she said.
She also directed criticism at news outlets that covered Wheeler’s complaint. “Something needs to happen with the media that recklessly reported on this fake complaint that he recently filed,” Boebert said. She added a pointed message for her critics: “You don’t have to like me. You don’t like my politics, but this is wrong.”
