A confidential report detailing sexual harassment claims against former D.C. Deputy Mayor John Falcicchio has been leaked, sparking outrage among officials and the attorneys representing the victims. As reported by DC News Now, the leaked document included the names of accusers, which D.C. Councilmember Brianne Nadeau called "abhorrent."
The leak comes on the heels of settlements reached by Mayor Muriel Bowser's administration with the former District employees who were involved. Nadeau criticized the breach of confidentiality, saying, "It is shameful that somebody would further victimize people that have already been harmed by a high level government official." Falcicchio had resigned in March 2023 after the allegations were brought to light, and the situation has to quickly move toward resolution since then, as per DC News Now.
While Nadeau has refrained from commenting on the specific findings of the report, including the possibility of more victims, she has emphasized that Falcicchio's departure is a significant outcome. The investigation, which cost the District over $700,000, is still under review by the General Counsel of the District of Columbia, according to DC News Now. Falcicchio's attorney has yet to respond to requests for comment.
Meanwhile, in a bid for transparency, Nadeau has announced intentions to ask the council to expedite their review process. According to FOX 5 DC, the goal is to release a redacted version of the report that protects the victims' identities. Attorneys Debra Katz and Kayla Morin, representing the two accusers, have not minced words about the handling of the report, calling the behavior and secrecy surrounding its release "disgusting" in an email statement.
