Nebraska Sen. Slama ‘was not going to deny the truth’ about Herbster’s alleged groping

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Sen. Julie Slama released a statement Thursday regarding Charles Herbster’s alleged sexual misconduct.

Earlier today, the Nebraska Examiner reported that Sen. Slama and seven other women accused Herbster of groping them.

“Today’s Nebraska Examiner report about Charles Herbster sexually assaulting me in 2019, when I was 22 years old, is true. I indirectly referenced the assault in a February 2022 floor speech in the Legislature and prayed I would never have to relive this trauma. When the Nebraska Examiner contacted me about a witness account of my assault and the seven other women who shared their stories, I was not going to deny the truth. I am not seeking media attention or any other gain, I simply was not going to lie and say it did not occur. I would request my family’s privacy be respected at this difficult time.”

Herbster has since then denied the allegations.  In a statement issued Wednesday night, Herbster’s campaign manager Ellen Keast said, “this is a political hit-piece built on 100% false and baseless claims.” Keast blamed the “political establishment” for “smearing and trying to destroy him with lies.”

Gov. Pete Ricketts and Nebraska’s female senators also released statements regarding Herbster’s alleged groping.